By : Shabana Ayaz
In solemn remembrance of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, marking six years since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Articles 370 and 35-A.
The commemorative event, held in collaboration with Keçiören Municipality, featured a moving photo exhibition portraying the plight and resilience of the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation. The event was attended by prominent Turkish dignitaries, politicians, rights advocates, and members of the media and civil society.
Key attendees included:
MP Derya Yanık, Chairperson of the Human Rights Investigation Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly
MP Mustafa Kaya
Former Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdağ
General (R) Güray Alpar, President of the Geostrategic Foresight Institute
Dr. Mubeen Shah, President of Kashmir House Aid & Development Association and Chairman of Kashmir Diaspora Coalition
MP Derya Yanık reaffirmed Türkiye’s principled support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
MP Mustafa Kaya emphasized that resolving the Kashmir conflict is critical for international peace and a test of credibility for the United Nations.
Former Deputy PM Recep Akdağ highlighted that even after more than 70 years, the promises made to the Kashmiri people remain unfulfilled. He reiterated Türkiye’s solidarity with their cause.
Dr. Mubeen Shah, a former detainee and exiled Kashmiri leader, emphasized the need for international intervention and respect for human rights in the region. He called for a UN-supervised plebiscite in Kashmir.
General (R) Güray Alpar stressed that force and demographic changes cannot resolve the conflict and urged dialogue within the framework of international law.
In his remarks, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, condemned India’s unilateral moves of August 5, 2019, as a violation of international law. He warned against India’s settler-colonial agenda and underscored that peace in South Asia depends on the fair resolution of the Kashmir issue.
The ambassador thanked the Turkish leadership and especially President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his consistent and courageous stance in support of Kashmir at international forums.
