ISLAMABAD, Oct 26 (APP):Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam on Monday called on the United Nations to implement its resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and ensure the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Hurriyat leader Ghulam Safi and Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Shabbir Usmani, the minister said October 27 would continue to be observed as a Black Day in protest against what he described as Indian oppression and human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Amir Muqam said Indian forces entered Srinagar on October 27, 1947, marking the beginning of a long period of suffering for the Kashmiri people. He said the people of Kashmir continued to struggle for their basic rights and the right to decide their future.
He said India claimed to be a champion of democracy but denied the people of Kashmir their fundamental rights and freedoms. Despite the hardships, he added, Kashmiris remained determined to achieve their right to self-determination.
The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people and urged the United Nations to implement its resolutions and ensure an end to human rights violations in the region.
He said a major rally would be held in Islamabad on October 27, with people from different walks of life expected to participate. He also urged the public to join rallies across the country to express solidarity with Kashmiris.
Amir Muqam said the government was working to pass resolutions in the National Assembly and Senate condemning alleged atrocities in occupied Kashmir. He added that lasting peace in the region could not be achieved without resolving the Kashmir issue.
Hurriyat leader Ghulam Safi thanked the government and people of Pakistan for supporting the Kashmiri cause. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had the right to decide their future through a plebiscite and rejected India’s claim that Kashmir was an integral part of the country.
Safi said rallies and demonstrations on October 27 would highlight the Kashmir issue before the international community.
He also urged Pakistanis and Kashmiris to work together to counter what he described as Indian misinformation.
Hurriyat leader Shabbir Usmani was also present at the press conference, which focused on Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and calls for the implementation of United Nations resolutions.