Observance of “Kashmir Solidarity Day” in Colombo

COLOMBO : A Seminar and Photo Exhibition was held at the Pakistan High Commission, Colombo to commemorate “Kashmir Solidarity Day” on Monday, Feb.6.

The day reaffirmed Pakistan’s unconditional support to the Kashmiris in their struggle for right of self-determination. The ceremony was attended by a large number of Pakistani community, friends of Kashmir and local journalists.

The event was addressed by key note speakers; Mr. Shiraz Younas, Council Member at Economic Development Advisory Board and Ms. Suriya Rizvi, Secretary Young Muslim Women Association (YMWA), both speakers stressed upon the peaceful solution of the issue through meaningful dialogue and highlighted the significance of interfaith harmony as well as peaceful co-existence of all. They also expressed their concern regarding sheer human rights violations committed by Indian forces illegally deployed in the IIOJK.

The seminar concluded with remarks delivered by the High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Major General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M). He reiterated the resolve of the Government & people of Pakistan that they will always stand shoulder to shoulder with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their hour of need. He reiterated that Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) has been under brutal violence for more than seven decades and it is high time that the world, especially the United Nations take notice of these human rights violations.

The High Commissioner stated that the Jammu & Kashmir dispute needs to be resolved on the basis of international legitimacy and the Security Council must prevent a disastrous conflict and secure the implementation of its own resolutions. The volatile situation in Kashmir threatens international peace and security with acts of state brutality within Indian controlled Jammu & Kashmir.

Lastly, the High Commissioner thanked the august keynote speakers and all invitees for their enthusiastic participation. Earlier, Trade & Investment Attaché and Press Attaché read the Kashmir  Solidarity Day messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, respectively.

Pictures depicting the human rights violations by Indian occupation forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) were displayed at the venue as part of the Photo Exhibition. Digital videos exhibiting violence in IIOJK were also played during the seminar.