On the 76th anniversary of the “illegal occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir by Indian forces, Kashmiris across the globe observed Black Day on Friday, expressing their steadfast resolve not to accept India’s illegal control over their homeland.
The day, marked every year on October 27 by Kashmiris, to condemn the Indian invasion of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, violating the region’s aspirations and international agreements.
In Indian-administered Kashmir, a complete shutdown was observed as people protested against the occupation. Additionally, protest marches, rallies, and seminars were held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, and various parts of the world to condemn India’s invasion in 1947 and the revocation of the region’s special status by the Modi-led Indian government on August 5, 2019.
The Senate of Pakistan unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination. The resolution strongly condemned Indian atrocities and urged the international community to expedite the formation of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) urged India to respect the fundamental human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The OIC called on India to reverse the illegal measures taken since August 5, 2019, and resolve the IIOJK dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, emphasized that the Kashmiri freedom movement could not be crushed, despite India’s repression. He highlighted India’s violations of UN Security Council resolutions and its own constitution, which guarantees the right to self-determination.
In a statement, Governor Balochistan, Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar, urged the international community to intervene, calling for an end to Indian human rights violations.
The President of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Asif Ali Zardari, reiterated the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and condemned India’s occupation.
Protests and rallies were held in major cities across Pakistan, including Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Mirpur, where participants voiced their support for Kashmiris and condemned India’s actions.
The Pakistan Embassy in Beijing organized an event to observe Kashmir Black Day.
Messages from Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were read, emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmir’s cause. Similar events were held in Kabul, Afghanistan, where the Pakistan Embassy paid tribute to the sacrifices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
