High Commission for Pakistan
Canberra
Press Release
Kashmir Black Day Observed Across Australia
Kashmir Black Day is being observed across Australia to express unwavering support and solidarity with the Kashmiri people. This year marks the 77th anniversary of India’s military intervention in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. The day serves to highlight the ongoing resistance of the Kashmiri people against illegal occupation and the violations of the Partition Plan and their enduring struggle for the right to self-determination.
As a show of solidarity, peaceful demonstrations were held across major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting strong support and humanitarian concern for the Kashmiri people. Petitions were also made to the Australian Parliamentarians, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the continuing humanitarian crisis in the occupied territory.
The High Commission for Pakistan in Australia organized a webinar featuring prominent speakers who underscored the significance of the day and the Kashmiri people’s continued struggle for justice and human rights.
In his remarks, High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri emphasized the historical and legal significance of October 27, describing it as a pivotal day in the Kashmiri people’s struggle. He condemned India’s consistent violations of international law, and the ongoing atrocities committed in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The High Commissioner called on the global community to play a proactive role in ending the long-standing conflict. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.
Senator David Shoebridge, in his remarks, acknowledged the 77-year-long struggle of the Kashmiri people, praising their resilience in the face of grave human rights violations. He called for a renewed commitment from the international community to bring the Kashmir issue to the forefront of global human rights advocacy. Senator Shoebridge emphasized that the Kashmir issue can no longer be ignored and urged for a UN-supervised process that would allow the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination freely and fairly.
Ms. Lee Rhiannon, Former Senator for New South Wales and a human rights advocate, denounced the ongoing violence and oppression in IIOJK. She called for increased global awareness, urging world leaders to address the humanitarian crisis in Kashmir. She also emphasized the role of civil society in raising awareness and advocating for justice, encouraging Australians to speak out against the oppression of the Kashmiri people.
Syed Faiz Naqshbandi focused on the importance of legal advocacy for Kashmir. He stressed the importance of a united international response to India’s defiance of UNSC resolutions. Mr. Naqshbandi also lauded the ongoing efforts of the Kashmiri diaspora and international legal bodies in calling out India for its violations of human rights in IIOJK.
The observance of Kashmir Black Day continues to amplify global awareness of the dire situation in IIOJK, underscoring the urgent need for peace, justice, and the realization of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
This year’s commemoration of Kashmir Black Day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and the pressing need for international intervention, highlighting the unwavering resolve of the Kashmiri people to secure their fundamental rights.
Canberra
27 October 2024