ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan is preparing to observe Kashmir Black Day on October 27 with events nationwide and at its diplomatic missions abroad, to condemn India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The events will reaffirm solidarity with the Kashmiri people and renew calls for their right to self-determination.
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam chaired a high-level meeting at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council in Islamabad Wednesday to finalize arrangements for the annual observance.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Kashmir Affairs Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, Secretary for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Additional Secretary Kamran Rehman Khan, senior officials, representatives of relevant ministries and institutions, and All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter General Secretary Advocate Parvez Ahmed Shah.
Amir Muqam paid tribute to the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for their continued struggle for their rights and political aspirations.
He said the observance would draw international attention to the Kashmir dispute and reaffirm Pakistan’s support for a peaceful and just resolution.
He said the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs had prepared a comprehensive plan to mark the day effectively, adding that Pakistani embassies and diplomatic missions abroad would also organize activities, with details to be shared with the national media.
Muqam appreciated the efforts of the APHC to keep the Kashmir dispute in the international spotlight and stressed the need for a unified message in support of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Advocate Parvez Ahmed Shah highlighted the strong bonds between Kashmiris and Pakistanis and assured the meeting that Hurriyat leadership would participate in rallies and other activities planned for the observance.
India’s military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir
Pakistan observes October 27 as Kashmir Black Day to mark the landing of Indian troops in Srinagar on October 27, 1947, and the beginning of India’s military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan maintains that the deployment violated the spirit of the Subcontinent’s Partition Plan and disregarded the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world also observe the day to reject India’s occupation of their homeland and renew calls for a resolution of the dispute in accordance with their aspirations and right to self-determination.
