Diplomatic Correspondent: The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka observed Jammu and Kashmir Black Day on Tuesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and calling for international efforts to ensure their right to self-determination.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider welcomed members of the Pakistani community, Friends of Pakistan and media representatives at the event, organised to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Messages from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar were read out on the occasion.

The messages recalled October 27, 1947, when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking what Pakistan describes as the beginning of a prolonged and tragic chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

They emphasised the Kashmiri people`s right to self-determination, as recognised in relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and paid tribute to their sacrifices and continued pursuit of justice, dignity and freedom.

The Pakistani leadership expressed concern over reported human rights challenges, restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the detention of Kashmiri political leaders and activists. The messages also criticised India`s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, which changed the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir under Indian administration.

The leadership urged the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organisations, to take meaningful steps to protect the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and facilitate a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the dispute.

Reiterating Pakistan`s moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of IIOJK, the messages stressed that lasting peace and stability in South Asia are closely linked to resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan also renewed its commitment to raising the issue at relevant international forums and advocating the Kashmiri people`s right to self-determination.

A photo exhibition was another feature of the programme. Participants viewed photographs depicting the hardships faced by the Kashmiri people, alleged human rights violations and restrictions on freedom of expression in the territory.

The event sought to draw attention to the longstanding Kashmir dispute and highlight Pakistan`s position that a lasting resolution requires international engagement and respect for the rights and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.