Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
****
Press Release
Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir observed in Paris
Paris; August 5, 2023
Embassy of Pakistan organized a seminar here today to observe Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad underscored the significance of this day, commemorating four years since August 5, 2019, when India took illegal and unilateral actions, in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and international law, with the aim of altering the internationally recognized disputed status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Pakistan and the international community joined the Kashmiris in raising a unified voice and unequivocally rejecting India’s attempts to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory in contravention of the UNSC resolutions and the 4th Geneva Convention. The Ambassador emphasized that India’s sinister designs and perpetration of grave human rights violations to suppress the spirit of the Kashmiri people and undermine their legitimate right to self-determination had utterly failed.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, the Ambassador admired their unwavering commitment and strong determination to continue their rightful struggle for self-determination and freedom from Indian occupation. He lauded that despite India’s relentless repression, including extra-judicial killings, severe restrictions on freedom of speech, fake encounters, cordon-and-search operations, custodial torture and deaths, enforced disappearances, incarceration of Kashmiri leaders and youth, use of pellet guns, destruction of homes, and other oppressive methods, the brave and resilient Kashmiri people remained resolute.
The Ambassador deliberated on the political, legal, peace and security, humanitarian and human rights dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, that remains on the agenda of the UN Security Council since 1948. It was high time for the international community to play its role in resolving the dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The Government and people of Pakistan stand in complete solidarity with the people of IIOJK and will continue to extend all possible support for the realization of their right to self-determination. He emphasized that India must stop human rights violations and reverse the illegal actions of August 5, 2019 and all subsequent measures to create an environment for meaningful dialogues to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
During the seminar, various speakers strongly condemned the Indian government’s unlawful actions and the increased and widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in IIOJK, particularly since August 5, 2019, and expressed their unwavering support and solidarity to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle.
A compelling documentary highlighting the atrocities committed in IIOJK was screened and messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were read out, affirming Pakistan’s support for the Kashmir cause.
As part of the commemoration, an exhibition of photographs and illustrations was organized at the chancery, that showcased powerful images depicting the Kashmiri struggle against the Indian military siege and the atrocities committed in IIOJK.
Earlier a webinar was held in connection with Youm-e-Istehsal in which Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad also participated. Speakers condemned India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019 and grave violations of HR in IIOJK. They expressed unanimous support for Kashmiris right to self-determination in accordance with UNSC resolutions.
Subsequently, members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities organized a protest rally near the iconic Eiffel Tower. During the rally, speakers strongly condemned the Indian government’s human rights violations and illegal actions in IIOJK and called for resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The protestors fervently raised slogans against the forced occupation of IIOJK, while brandishing placards, banners, and Kashmiri flags, symbolizing their unwavering support for the Kashmir cause.
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