The Pakistan High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver observed Kashmir Solidarity Day to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) in their just struggle for the right to self-determination, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The events were attended by members of the Pakistani community as well as friends of Pakistan and supporters of the Kashmir cause.
Special messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion. Documentaries highlighting the Kashmiri struggle were screened and broadcast through social media, as well as local electronic and ethnic media. Informational material highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people in IIOJ&K was also distributed. A series of programmes, including a pictorial exhibition and media interactions, were arranged to highlight human rights violations and to express solidarity with Kashmiris facing oppression under illegal Indian occupation.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Muhammad Saleem said that Kashmiris in IIOJ&K have endured relentless repression, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, communication blackouts and forced demographic changes. He paid tribute to the resilience and courage of the Kashmiri people in the face of prolonged hardships.
The High Commissioner reiterated Pakistan’s principled position that a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute can only be achieved through the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people through a free and fair plebiscite.
He stressed the urgent need for the international community to play its due role in ensuring justice and accountability. He renewed the call for upholding international law, respecting human rights and securing a just, durable and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute by persuading India to implement the UN Security Council resolutions.
