Kashmiri and Pakistani communities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia observed ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ with traditional zeal and fervour with a main event held here at the Consulate General of Pakistan.
The event featured special messages from the President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
Chief guest of the event was Federal Minister for Commerce and Trade, Jam Kamal Khan.
In his remarks, he highlighted the need for mass level awareness on the issue of Kashmir and its historical and legal aspects.
He termed Indian occupation a moral and legal challenge to global conscience and international legal framework.
The speakers on the occasion included Pakistan’s Ambassador in Riyadh Ahmad Farooq, Ch. Javed Iqbal Minister for Rehabilitation Govt. of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador in OIC, Syed Muhammad Fawad Sher, Chairman Kashmir Committee Jeddah Masood Puri and Eng Arif Mughal Acting chairman of Overseas Jammu and Kashmir Committee.
The speakers shed light on India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, and emphasized that despite turning Kashmir into a fortified prison, India could not defeat the indomitable spirit of the freedom-loving Kashmiri people. They called upon India to immediately stop gross, systematic and state-sponsored human rights abuses in IIOJK.
The Consul General of Pakistan Khalid Majid, in his welcome address, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their consistent support for the Kashmir cause.
He also praised the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in actively raising awareness about this important issue.
The Consul General urged the international community and the UN to play their due role to ensure that Kashmiris can exercise their right to self-determination.
While speaking at the occasion, speakers highlighted atrocities of Indian military and India’s designs of imposing demographic changes in the IIOJK region to change the ground realities.
Speakers emphasized that the world community must come together to ensure justice for the people of Kashmir as per UN resolutions.
A documentary highlighting the plight of those living in Indian-occupied Kashmir and gross human rights violations committed by Indian military was also screened.
Participants and speakers also urged the international community and the United Nations to address the longstanding issue of Kashmir and take urgent measures to stop the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
The event was attended by dignitaries, political figures, and members of civil society organizations based in Jeddah.
Participants reiterated their commitment to continue their support for the struggle of Kashmiris for their right to self-determination.
