Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu Observes Kashmir Black Day

KATHMANDU — The Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu organized an event on October 29 to observe Kashmir Black Day under the theme “International Diplomacy and the Way Forward for Kashmir.”

The event marked the 79th anniversary of October 27, 1947, when Indian forces landed in Srinagar—an event Pakistan observes as the beginning of India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Prominent Nepali journalists, intellectuals, and civil society representatives attended the programme to discuss the role of international diplomacy in resolving the longstanding dispute and realizing the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

During the programme, official messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out, reiterating Pakistan’s principled position on Jammu and Kashmir and its steadfast support for the Kashmiri people.

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grave concern over the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), particularly following India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019. He called upon the United Nations and the international community to intensify efforts toward a just and peaceful settlement of the dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif underscored that lasting peace and stability in South Asia remain contingent upon resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Drawing attention to restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the continued incarceration of Kashmiri political leaders and activists, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to extending moral, diplomatic, and political support to the people of IIOJK.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar emphasized the centrality of UN Security Council resolutions to achieving a lasting settlement. Highlighting ongoing human rights concerns, he urged sustained international engagement to protect the rights of the Kashmiri people, including their right to self-determination.

Concluding the session, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Aamir Khan, emphasized the need for active international diplomatic engagement to advance a just resolution. He called for renewed global efforts to uphold the Kashmiri people's inalienable right to self-determination.

Participants at the event reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of IIOJK, calling on the international community to address human rights violations in the region and support the realization of the Kashmiri people's legitimate aspirations.