Remarks by H.E. Mr. Sohail Mahmood, Ambassador of Pakistan, at the ESAM Seminar commemorating “Kashmir Solidarity Day” Ankara, 7 February 2017

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies & Gentlemen: Assalam-o-Alaikum

“You can take away our eyes; but how can you take away our dreams.”

This is how an innocent, unarmed, young Kashmiri girl is responding with defiance, courage and resolve to the continuing Indian atrocities -- especially the use of pellet guns targeting the eyes of the Kashmiris.

Indeed, neither the 70 years of illegal Indian occupation, nor the extreme brutality of Indian security forces in maintaining this occupation, have succeeded in subduing the spirit of the Kashmiri people.

Their dreams and aspirations live on -- more vivid and stronger every day.

Distinguished participants,

Occupied Jammu & Kashmir remains one of the most militarized zones of the world, with more than 700,000 Indian security forces, armed with lethal weapons and black laws ensuring complete immunity for their black actions.

Kashmir also remains one of the longest lasting situations of foreign occupation, like Palestine, and the longest unresolved issue on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.

Over 7 decades of brutal Indian occupation has resulted in the martyrdom of thousands of Kashmiris. Since 1990 alone, over 100,000 innocent Kashmiris have made the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for freedom from Indian yoke.

For the last eight months, the Kashmiris are enduring a renewed cycle of brutal repression at the hands of the occupying forces.

Since the extra-judicial killing of Burhan Wani on 8 July 2016, 150 Kashmiris have been martyred.

More than 20,000 have been injured.

The eye-sight of over 1,000 Kashmiris has been partially or permanently impaired due to the use of pellets by Indian security forces.

There is no distinction between women, children and the elderly. All are targeted indiscriminately.

Within the past few months alone, Indian occupying forces have illegally detained over 12,000 innocent Kashmiris without any charges.

The details of unending curfews, house arrests or detentions of Kashmiri leaders, beatings and torture of common Kashmiris, rape and sexual assault of Kashmiri women, disappearance of Kashmiri men and their extra-judicial killings, and collective punishment and mass graves are simply heart-breaking.  

While all this goes on with impunity, the international media and international human rights and humanitarian organizations are denied access to the occupied territory.

Kashmiris are being punished for demanding their inalienable right to self-determination – a right enshrined in the United Nations Charter and repeatedly pledged to them by India, Pakistan, and the international community in the shape of Security Council resolutions.

Their long occupation and brutal suppression continues to haunt the conscience of humanity.

Some conscientious voices have been raised, including by UN and the OIC. Some people of goodwill inside India and abroad have also spoken.

However, more is urgently needed.

It is imperative for the international community to act immediately and decisively to stop the tragedy unfolding in Occupied Kashmir.

We hope the world would play its rightful role in ensuring a just, peaceful and durable solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

This is indispensable both for justice and for durable peace and stability in South Asia.

The Kashmiris, and the people of Pakistan, deeply appreciate the support and solidarity they have always received from the government and people of Turkey.

This support was unequivocally reaffirmed during the Honorable President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan in November 2016, and his Address to Joint Session of Parliament.

Turkey, as the chair of OIC, has also been pursuing the initiative to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir.

The presence of all our distinguished participants in the observance of “Kashmir Solidarity Day” this evening is a further reflection of Turkey’s abiding commitment to this noble cause.

For this, we remain grateful as ever.

On its part, Pakistan would continue to extend maximum political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Kashmir.

We hope our combined efforts would help shake the world conscience and pave the way for the dawn of peace, hope and freedom for the struggling people of Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, Insha Allah!

Pakistan liderleri Keşmir için korkusuzca desteklerini yeniden teyit ettiler

ANKARA, 4 Şubat 2017: Pakistan liderleri ayrı ayrı verdikleri mesajlarda Keşmir Dayanışma Günü nedeniyle Keşmir halkına korkusuzca moral, siyasi ve diplomatik desteklerini yeniden ifade ettiler.  Keşmir Dayanışma Günü Pakistan’da, Azad Cammu ve Keşmir’de ve dünyada 5 Şubat’ta coşkuyla kutlanacaktır.  Bu gün yalnızca Keşmirlilerin adil ve tarafsız bir biçimde kendi kaderlerini belirleme haklarını desteklemek için değil ama aynı zamanda işgalci Hindistan Güvenlik Güçlerinin zalimliklerine dayanmak için her gün yaptıkları fedakârlıkları övmek amacıyla kutlanmaktadır.

Pakistan Cumhurbaşkanı Sayın Mamnoon Hussain mesajında şöyle dedi:

“Pakistan hükümeti ve halkı, Hindistan İşgalindeki Cammu ve Keşmir’in (IoK) baskı altındaki halkına, temel kendi kaderlerini belirleme hakları için verdikleri cesurca mücadeleleri için, devam eden ve kararlı moral, diplomatik ve siyasi desteklerini yeniden teyit etmektedir.  Hindistan son 70 yıldır sadece Cammu ve Keşmir halkının kendi kaderlerini belirleme hakkını reddetmekle kalmamakta ama aynı zamanda onları en kötü şekilde insan hakları ihlallerine, şiddete ve baskıya maruz bırakmaktadır.

Bu kendiliğinden ve tarihi mücadele sırasında, IoK’nin cesur ve kararlı insanları eşi olmayan ve tahayyül edilemeyecek fedakârlıklarda bulunmuştur.  Son altı aydaki Hindistan zalimlikleri 120’den fazla ölüme ve çoğu kritik durumda olmak üzere 20,000’den fazla yaralanmaya neden olmuştur.  1,000’den fazla kişi Hindistan işgal güçlerince pelet silahları kullanılmasından dolayı ciddi göz yaralanmalarına uğramış ve bunlardan en az 150’si, kadın ve çocuklar dahil olmak üzere kalıcı olarak kör olmuştur.  Ancak, Hindistan’ın devlet terörü IoK halkını Hindistan baskısından kurtulmak için verdiği özgürlük mücadelesinden vazgeçirememiştir.

Pakistan uluslararası topluluğa bu konudaki sorumluluklarının bilincinde olması için çağrıda bulunmaktadır ve onu Hindistan işgal güçleri tarafından IoK’de devam eden acımasız insan hakları ihlallerinin bağımsız olarak soruşturulmasını talep etmesi ve Keşmir üzerindeki BM Güvenlik Konseyi kararları altındaki yükümlülüklerini yerine getirmesi için zorlamaktadır.

Cammu ve Keşmir anlaşmazlığı bölünme zamanlarının bitmemiş gündemi olarak kalmaya devam etmektedir.  Bu Birleşmiş Milletler Güvenlik Konseyinin gündeminde askıda olan en eski anlaşmazlıklardan birisidir.  Cammu ve Keşmir, Hindistan ve Pakistan arasındaki temel anlaşmazlıktır ve bölgede bir barış kurulması hayalleri, bu anlaşmazlık Cammu ve Keşmir halkının isteklerine uygun olarak çözülene kadar bulanık kalacaktır.  Bu bölgedeki 1.5 milyardan fazla insan kendileri için Hindistan tarafından BM Güvenlik Konseyi kararlarının uygulanmasıyla reddedilen barış ve refah şafağını görmeyi hak etmektedir.”

Pakistan Başbakanı Sayın Muhammad Nawaz Sharif ise mesajında şöyle dedi:

“Son yetmiş yıldır, Hindistan kendi işgali altındaki Cammu ve Keşmir’in cesur halkına uluslararası topluluk tarafından BM Güvenlik Konseyi kararları aracılığıyla tanınan kendi kaderlerini belirleme hakkını hep reddetmiştir.  Pakistan halkı bugün Keşmir Dayanışma Günü’nü kutlayarak Keşmirli kardeşlerine katılmaktadır ve Keşmir halkının temel insan hakları için ve özellikle ilgili BM Güvenlik Konseyi kararlarında da belirtilen kendi kaderini belirleme hakkı için moral, diplomatik ve siyasi desteklerini yeniden teyit etmektedir.

Cammu ve Keşmir Anlaşmazlığı Ayrılma zamanlarının bitmemiş gündemidir ve BM Güvenlik Konseyindeki en eski çözülmemiş anlaşmazlıklardan birisi olarak kalmıştır.  Pakistan Hindistan işgal güçleri tarafından İşgal Altındaki Keşmir’de işlenen sistematik terör suçlarını ve masum halkın zalimce öldürülmesini şiddetli bir biçimde kınamaktadır.  Pelet silahlarının kullanımı kadınlar ve genç çocuklar da dahil olmak üzere 150’den fazla kişiyi kalıcı olarak kör yapmıştır.  Hindistan İşgalindeki Keşmir’in masum insanlarının temel insan hakları Hindistan işgal güçleri tarafından acımasızca ihlal edilmiştir.  Kıdemli Hurriyat liderleri tutuklanmıştır veya ev hapsinde tutulmaktadır.  Son birkaç ay içerisinde, yaklaşık 12,000 kişi herhangi bir suçlama olmaksızın yasadışı olarak gözaltına alınmıştır.

Hindistan İşgalindeki Cammu ve Keşmir’in cesur, kararlı ve inatçı halkı bu haklı mücadelesinde benzersiz fedakarlıklarda bulunmuştur.  Ancak, bu Hindistan zalimliklerinin hiçbirisi Keşmir halkının Hindistan işgalinden kurtulma isteğini durduramamıştır.  Pakistan halkı ve uluslararası topluluk, Hindistan işgalindeki Cammu Keşmir halkına benzersiz cesareti, fedakârlığı ve Hindistan devletinin en kötü şekildeki devlet terörüne, insan hakları ihlallerine, şiddetine ve baskısına olan direnci için en yüksek derecede saygı duymaktadır.  Cesur ve fedakâr Keşmir halkının fedakarlıklarını selamlarım ve Pakistan’ın Cammu ve Keşmir üzerindeki prensipli duruşuna olan sıkı bağlılığını yeniden teyit ederim.

Pakistan uluslararası topluluğa İşgal Altındaki Keşmir’de Hindistan güçlerinin yaptığı barbarca insan hakları ihlallerine ve terör dalgasına bir son vermek için sesini yükseltmesi ve Cammu ve Keşmir halkına 70 yıl önce verdiği sözleri yerine getirmesi için çağrıda bulunmaktadır.

Cammu ve Keşmir Pakistan ve Hindistan arasındaki en temel anlaşmazlıktır.  Bu bölgenin insanlarının barış ve refah düşleri, bu anlaşmazlık BM Güvenlik Konseyi kararlarına göre çözülmeden erişilmesi zor olarak kalacaktır.  Hindistan’a işgal altındaki Cammu Keşmir’de kan dökmeye son vermesi ve BM gözetimi altında özgür ve tarafsız bir plebisit yapılmasına izin vermesi için çağrıda bulunuyoruz.”

Pakistan leadership reiterates unflinching support for Kashmir

ANKARA, 4 February 2017: The leadership of Pakistan in their separate messages on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day has reiterated its unflinching moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people. Kashmir Solidarity Day will be observed throughout Pakistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and across the world with fervour on 5^th February. The day is observed to not only support the Kashmiris’ right for a fair and impartial right of self-determination but to eulogize their sacrifices they are making every day by bearing brutality of the occupying Indian security forces.

The President of Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain in his message said:

“The Government and the people of Pakistan reaffirm their continued and resolute moral, diplomatic and political support to the oppressed people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK) in their valiant struggle for the fundamental right to self-determination. India continues, not only, to deny the people of Jammu and Kashmir the right to self-determination for the last seven decades, but is also subjecting them to the worst human rights violations, violence and oppression.

During this indigenous and historic struggle, the courageous and determined people of IoK have rendered unparalleled and unimaginable sacrifices. Atrocities by Indian occupation forces in the last six months have resulted in more than 120 deaths and 20,000 injured, many in critical condition. More than 1,000 have sustained severe eye injuries due to pellet shots by the Indian occupation forces, while at least 150, including women and children, are now permanently blind. However, the Indian state terrorism has failed to deter the people of IoK from their struggle for freedom from Indian oppression.

Pakistan calls upon the international community to be cognizant of its responsibilities in the matter and urges it to demand an independent investigation in the ongoing gross human rights violations in IoK by Indian occupation forces and to fulfil its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions of Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains an unfinished agenda of Partition. It is one of the oldest disputes pending on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council, Jammu and Kashmir is the core dispute between India and Pakistan and the dream for peace in the region will remain elusive until resolution of this dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. More than 1.5 billion people of this region deserve to see the dawn of peace and prosperity which has been denied to them by India’s refusal to implement the UN Security Council resolutions.”

Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in his message said:

“For the last seven decades India has denied the valiant people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir the right to self-determination promised to them by the international community through numerous UN Security Council resolutions. The people of Pakistan join their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in observing Kashmir Solidarity Day today to reaffirm our moral, diplomatic and political support to the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their basic human rights, especially the right to self determination enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The Jammu & Kashmir dispute is the unfinished agenda of Partition and remains one of the oldest disputes in the UN Security Council. Pakistan strongly condemns the systemic state terrorism and brutal killings of the innocent people of IoK by Indian occupation forces. Use of pellet guns has permanently blinded more than 150 people including women and young children. The basic human rights of the innocent people of IoK, including the right to life and peaceful assembly have been grossly violated by Indian occupation forces. Senior Hurriyat leadership has been arrested or placed under house detention. Within the last few months, around 12,000 people were illegally detained without any charges.

The valiant, resolute and determined people of Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir have rendered unmatched sacrifices in their just struggle. However, all the Indian brutalities have failed to deter the people of IoK from their cause for freedom from Indian subjugation. The people of Pakistan and the international community have utmost respect for the people of Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir for their unparalleled courage, bravery and persistence in facing the worst kind of state terrorism, human rights abuses, violence and suppression by the Indian state. I salute the sacrifices of the brave and courageous Kashmiri people and reaffirm our firm commitment to Pakistan’s principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan calls upon the international community to raise its voice in seeking an end to the gross violations of human rights and the reign of terror unleashed by Indian occupation forces in IoK and fulfill the promises it made with the people of Jammu & Kashmir 70 years ago.

Jammu & Kashmir is the core dispute between Pakistan and India. The dream of peace and prosperity of the people of this region will remain elusive without resolving this dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions. We urge India to stop bloodbath in occupied Jammu & Kashmir and allow the holding of free and fair plebiscite under the UN auspices.”

ENDS

Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff meets with Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan

Rawalpindi - January 26, 2017: General Umit DUNDAR, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff, Republic of Turkey, met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at GHQ today. Matters of mutual and professional interest with special emphasis on defence and security collaboration between the two brotherly countries were discussed. Both sides agreed to further optimize military to military ties particularly in training and counter terrorism domain. The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan Army’s role for regional peace and stability and contributions towards defeating terrorism.

Joint communique of 12th round of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Military Dialogue Group meeting

12th Round of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Military Dialogue Group meeting (HLMDG) was held in Ministry of Defence, Rawalpindi from 25-26th January 2017. Lt Gen (Retd) Zamir-ul-Hasan Shah, Secretary Defence led Pakistan delegation while Turkish delegation was led by General Umit DUNDAR, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff of Republic of Turkey.

Prior to holding of Plenary Session, General Umit DUNDAR, had a meeting with Lt Gen (Retd) Zamir-ul-Hasan Shah. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including whole spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation were discussed. Both leaders expressed their concern on terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Turkey. Secretary Defence apprised the visiting delegation about the successes achieved by Pakistan as a result of military Operation Zarb-e-Azb and National Action Plan.

Both sides deliberated upon various areas of interest, including security, counter terrorism and prevailing regional environment particularly with reference to Afghanistan and Middle East. In addition, delegations took stock of the measures that have been taken since last HLMDG meeting held in Turkey in October 2015.

General Umit DUNDAR also held meetings with the Minister for Defence, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of the Air Staff. In all these meetings, matters relating to defence cooperation covering training, exchange visits and co-production of defence equipment were discussed.

The highlight of the HLMDG meeting was that both sides agreed to work for a Comprehensive Bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement which must encompass all facets of cooperation.

Talks were held in a most cordial and congenial atmosphere. Delegation leaders resolved to work together for enhanced cooperation in defence and security related fields. It was agreed that 13th Round of Pakistan-Turkey HLMDG meeting will be held in Turkey.

Second Round of Pakistan-Turkey Consultations on UN related matters

Second round of Pakistan-Turkey consultations on UN related matters was held on 17th January 2017 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. The Turkish delegation was led by Ambassador Hasan Ulusoy, Director Generalfor Multilateral Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistan side was led by Mr. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Director General (UN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues including UN Security Council reform, human rights and humanitarian issues, refugees, cooperation in the context of ECOSOC, Sustainable Development Goals, political and peace and security issues, counter-terrorism, combating Islamophobia & religious discrimination, and candidatures in international organizations.

Both sides welcomed that the excellent bilateral relations and similarity of views, guided by the political leadership of the two countries, was also manifest in common understanding, mutual support, and close collaboration on a host of issues at the United Nations and other multilateral fora. They reiterated the common desire and commitment to further strengthen this cooperation in the years ahead. They also reaffirmed faith in United Nations and multilateralism as the best mechanisms for collectively addressing the challenges faced by the international community.

The visiting delegation also called on Foreign Secretary, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. The Foreign Secretary noted that the consultations would deepen relations and help identify new avenues of cooperation between the two countries at multilateral fora.

Pakistan-Turkey consultations on UN related matters are part of the wider relationship between the two countries. The first round of these consultations was held at Ankara in September 2015.

Türk Kargo Uçağının Kırgızistan'da düşmesi üzerine başsağlığı mesajı

Pakistan Dışişleri Bakanlığı 

Sözcülük Makamı

Basın Bülteni

Türk Kargo Uçağının Kırgızistan'da düşmesi üzerine başsağlığı mesajı

Türk ve Kırgız uyruklu 37 kişinin kaybıyla sonuçlanan ve İstanbul'a giden Türk kargo uçağının Kırgızistan'da düşmesiyle yaşanan üzücü hava trajedisini kederle ve üzüntüyle öğrenmiş bulunmaktayız.

Pakistan Hükümeti ve halkı en içten başsağlığı dileklerini Türkiye'nin ve Kırgızistan'ın kardeş insanlarına ve bu trajik kazada hayatını kaybedenlerin ailelerine iletmek ister.  

Pakistan bu acılı zamanda Türk ve Kırgız kardeşleriyle güçlü bir dayanışma içerisinde durmaktadır.    

İslamabad, Ocak 16, 2017.

Condolence message on Turkish Cargo Plane Crash in Kyrgyzstan

Office of the Spokesperson

Press Release

Condolence message on Turkish Cargo Plane Crash in Kyrgyzstan

It is with utmost grief and sorrow that we have learnt about the sad air tragedy that struck the Turkish cargo plane in Kyrgyzstan en-route to Istanbul resulting in the loss of 37 precious lives of Turkish and Kyrgyz nationals.

The Government and the people of Pakistan offer their heartfelt condolences to the Governments and the brotherly peoples of Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, as well as to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident.

Pakistan stands in strong solidarity with their Turkish and Kyrgyz brethren in this hour of grief.            

Islamabad

January 16, 2017.

Pakistan terörizmin vurduğu Türkiye ile dayanışma olduğunu bir kez ifade ediyor

Pakistan terörizmin vurduğu Türkiye ile dayanışma olduğunu bir kez ifade ediyor.

Kardeş Türkiye yi bir kez daha vuran trajik terör saldırısı bizi derinden üzmüştür.

 Pakistan, Istanbul Beşiktaş Ortaköy'de bulunan bir gece klübüne karşı yapılan hain terör saldırısını en güçlü şekilde kınamaktadır.  Saldırıda 39 masum kişinin hayatını kaybettiği ,ölenlerin arasında Türk ve yabancı uyruklu vatandaşların da olduğu bildirildi.Çok sayıda ağır yaralı olduğu da belirtiliyor.

Pakistan Hükümeti ve halkının ,  savunmasız insanlara karşı, yılbaşı sabahı yapılan bu terör saldırısından  dolayı derinden  üzüntü ve acı duyduğunu ifade eder, Türk Hükümeti , kardeş Türk halkı ve diğer ülke vatandaşlarının acılı ailelerine en derin  başsağlığı dileklerini sunar. Yaralıların en kısa zamanda iyileşmesi için duacı olduğumuzu belirtiriz.

Türk Hükümeti ve halkının terörle kararlı mücadelesinde sonuna kadar yanında  olduğumuzu bir kez daha belirtir , bu gibi menfur saldırıların Türkiye'nin barış, istikrar, ilerleme ve  iç huzurunu hiç bir zaman bozamayacağına inancımızın  sonsuz olduğunu yineleriz.

 Pakistan , terörün her türlü şekli ve tezahürünü kınamaktadır. 

Islamabad

1 Ocak 2017

Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with Turkey as terrorism strikes again

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Office of the Spokesperson

Press Release

Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with Turkey as terrorism strikes again

We are deeply anguished as terror and tragedy have struck brotherly Turkey again.

Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist attack that took place at a night club in Ortakoy area of Besiktas district in Istanbul. Reportedly, 39 innocent lives have been lost, including both Turkish and foreign nationals. Scores are injured, with several in critical condition.

The Government and the people of Pakistan express their heartfelt grief and sorrow at this despicable act of terrorism against defenseless people gathered for new year and extend their profound sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and to the leadership, Government and brotherly people of Turkey as well as other nations. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.

We reaffirm our strong and unwavering solidarity with the Government and people of Turkey in its resolute fight against terrorism and reiterate our belief that such heinous acts aimed at undermining Turkey's peace, stability, progress and internal harmony would never succeed.

Pakistan also reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Islamabad

1 January 2017