Remarks by Aisha Farooqui Charge D’Affaires of Pakistan Embassy, on the occasion of the Seminar on Kashmir Black Day (28 October 2014)

The Honorable Mr. Mustafa Kamalik,

Mr. Recai Kutan,

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Asalam u Alikum

I wish to begin by thanking all our honoured guests for taking the time out to attend the Seminar on Kashmir’s Black Day.

I would like to express my special thanks to Mr. Recai Kutan, Director General of ESAM and to members of ESAM for organizing this event.

Allow me also to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to all the speakers for their excellent presentations.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Today’s gathering is a strong expression of solidarity with the valiant and just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their inalienable right of self determination.

We observe the Black Day of Kashmir to mark the genesis of the injustice done to the people of Kashmir.

In recalling the events of 26 October 1947, we understand how the seeds of conflict were sown in the peaceful valley of Kashmir and how even after six decades the people of Jammu and Kashmir are still struggling for justice and for their fundamental right to self determination.

For over six decades, the Kashmiri people have rendered countless sacrifices for their right to self-determination, as envisaged in the relevant UN resolutions.

It is important that the just struggle of the Kashmiri people is supported by all justice and freedom-loving peoples across the world.

It is also important that the fundamental human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are respected and promoted.

As you may know, a million man march was undertaken on 27 October 2014 in Central London by the Kashmiri Diaspora in the UK to draw attention of the world towards the ongoing human rights violations and fundamental freedoms in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the situation on the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary (WB) between Pakistan and India is facing a crisis currently due to the violation of ceasefire agreement by Indian security forces since 2 October 2014.

Heavy Indian firing in the last 3 weeks has resulted in deaths of dozens of innocent civilians across the LoC as well as injury to scores of people.

The peace initiatives with India undertaken by the Government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was a manifestation of our sincerity to establish good neighbourly relations with India.

Unfortunately, Pakistan’s sincerity has not been reciprocated.

While seeking a peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which is the core dispute between Pakistan and India, Pakistan will continue to express its complete solidarity with the Kashmiris and extend its fullest political, moral and diplomatic support to their just cause.

The people of Pakistan are indebted to their Turkish brethren for extending consistent support to the Kashmiri cause.

This support is a cause of great strength, both to us as well as to the Kashmiri people.

We hope to witness a day soon when the brave Kashmiris would be able to enjoy their freedom and their fundamental rights.

In conclusion, I would like to once again extend our warm thanks and gratitude to the organizers of this seminar, distinguished speakers and the ladies and gentlemen who have participated in today’s event.

I thank you.