Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid delivered a talk highlighting Kashmir issue in connection with upcoming “Kashmir Black Day ‘ at Institute of Strategic Thinking (SDE) in Ankara today. 27th October is observed as ‘Kashmir Black Day’, as on this day in 1947, India forcibly landed its troops in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for the first time, against the will of Kashmiri people.
In his speech, Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid underscored the importance of the resolution of Kashmir dispute as per the United Nations Security Council resolutions to ensure regional and global peace. Ambassador Junaid highlighted that Palestine and Kashmir represent unceasing situations of foreign occupation in the modern world, where brutal military occupations have not only denied the people their fundamental right of self-determination but also unleashed a reign of terror on innocent civilians. While expressing concerns over worst human rights situation in IIOJK, he stated that it is ironic that Kashmir remains as one of the oldest unresolved conflicts in the world, despite the presence of UNSC resolutions, which call for a UN administered plebiscite in Kashmir, agreed upon by both Pakistan and India.
Expressing solidarity with Kashmir, Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support to people of Kashmir until the resolution of the dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions. Ambassador Junaid thanked the people and government of Turkiye for its principled stance on Kashmir, especially H.E President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his support on Kashmir cause.
Vice President SDE Alpar Tan, stated that Turkiye has always supported peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute as per the desire of the Kashmiri people and will continue to do so. He emphasized that the international system has the ability to resolve any conflict, but unfortunately there is a lack of will and intention when it comes to Kashmir and Palestine. He reiterated that international community especially Islamic countries need to play their due role in putting an end to human rights atrocities in IIOJK and implementation of UN resolutions.
During the Q&A session, Ambassador (R) Numan Hazar commented that the indifference of international community to Kashmir and Palestine is disturbing, Kashmiris deserve the basic human right of self-determination, like any other nation in the world. The participants reaffirmed their support to the peaceful resolution of Kashmir Dispute as per UNSC resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
