Diplomatic Correspondent: High Commission for Pakistan, Dhaka organized an event on Friday to observe “Kashmir Black Day.” Members of Pakistani diaspora, academics, and local journalists participated in the event.

Messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

In their messages, President of Pakistan Mr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan paid tributes to brave Kashmiri people for their resolute struggle against India’s illegal occupation and atrocities.

In his message, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK and reaffirmed Pakistan’s abiding commitment to the Kashmir cause until the resolution of the dispute, in line with the UNSC resolutions and as per the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

On the occasion, Mr. Zafar Bangash, Director of the Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought and founding member and convener of “Friends of Kashmir, Canada” provided a legal and historical perspective of the Kashmir dispute. He stated that October 27th “will go down in history as the day of infamy” when the Indian army “illegally invaded and occupied the state of J&K.”

Ms. Karen Rodman, a human rights advocate, and Executive Director of “Just Peace Advocates” also spoke about the humanitarian aspects of the conflict. Stating that the Indian Government was “altering the demographics” of J&K, Karen said that it was important for people in the West to speak against this “settler colonialism.”

High Commissioner Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui in his concluding remarks reiterated the message of the Pakistani leadership and reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring support for the people of IIOJK.

A video documentary highlighting brutalities committed by the Indian occupying forces in IIOJK was also screened during the event.

Dedicating this Kashmir Black Day event to the extraordinary life and services of Syed Ali Geelani, High Commissioner Imran Ahmed Siddiqui requested the participants to pay their respects to the great Kashmiri leader.