Pakistan High Commission observes “Kashmir Solidarity Day” in Colombo 

A Seminar and Photo Exhibition was held in the Pakistan High Commission, Colombo on 5 February to mark “Kashmir Solidarity Day”. The day reaffirms Pakistan’s unconditional support to the Kashmiris in their struggle for the right of self-determination. The ceremony was attended by a good number of foreign diplomats based in Colombo, members of Parliament, members of the Pakistani community, friends of Kashmir and local journalists. 

The event was addressed by keynote speakers; Senior Political Advisor Dr. Asela Wickramasinghe, Politician Dr. Dona Chandima Wijegunwardana and Member of Pak-SL Friendship Association Fatima Razik Qadir. All speakers stressed upon the peaceful solution of the issue through meaningful dialogue and highlighted the significance of interfaith harmony as well as peaceful co-existence. They also expressed their concern regarding sheer human rights violations committed by Indian forces illegally deployed in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). 

The seminar concluded with remarks delivered by the High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Major General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki, HI(M). He reiterated the resolve of the Government and people of Pakistan that they will always stand shoulder to shoulder with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their hour of need. With the revocation of articles 370 and abolition of 35A, India has blatantly violated UNSC resolutions and its own constitution. He reiterated that the IIOJK has been under brutal violence of Indian troops for more than seven decades and it is high time that the world, especially the United Nations take notice of these human rights violations. 

The High Commissioner underscored the comments of Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan, who while addressing the UN General Assembly in 2019 said that for durable peace in South Asia, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute needs to be resolved on the basis of international legitimacy and the Security Council must prevent a disastrous conflict and secure the implementation of its own resolutions. The volatile situation in Kashmir threatens international peace and security with acts of state brutality within Indian controlled Jammu and Kashmir. 

Lastly, the High Commissioner thanked the august keynote speakers and all invitees for their heartfelt and enthusiastic participation. Earlier, the Second Secretary (Political) and Press Attaché read the Kashmir Solidarity Day messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, respectively. Pictures depicting the human rights violations by Indian occupation forces in the IIOJK were displayed at the venue as part of the photo exhibition, while digital videos exhibiting beauty and violence in IIOJK were projected during the Seminar.