Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and its Consulate General in New York hosted a special event on Monday to mark Kashmir Black Day, spotlighting what it described as “demographic engineering and colonial-settler policies” in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The event, themed “Demographic Engineering and Colonial-Settler Project in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” drew participants from diverse backgrounds, including members of the Kashmiri diaspora and rights activists.
Speakers at the gathering paid tribute to Kashmiris for what they called their “unwavering courage and sacrifices” in resisting Indian rule. They urged the international community, especially the United Nations, to fulfill its promises by allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to decide their political future through a plebiscite, as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions.
The speakers also warned that peace in South Asia would remain out of reach unless the Kashmir dispute was resolved fairly and in accordance with international law.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, reaffirmed Islamabad’s “unshakable commitment” to the Kashmiri cause. He said there was a “complete national consensus” across Pakistan’s political spectrum in support of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination — a right enshrined in the UN Charter and global resolutions.
Other notable speakers included Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai, author Saud Sultan (of “Jammu & Kashmir – The Forgotten Narrative”), veteran Kashmiri leader Sardar Sawar Khan, JKLF USA spokesperson Raja Mukhtar Khan, and activist Taj Khan.
During the ceremony, Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Usman Jadoon and Minister Asif Khan read out messages from Pakistan’s President and Prime Minister, reaffirming solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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