High Commission for Pakistan, Canberra
Press Release
Kashmir Black Day observed Across Australia
Kashmir Black Day is being observed across Australia to express support and solidarity with Kashmiri people in their just struggle against the illegal Indian occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The main event was organized today at the Australian Federal Parliament in Canberra. The event was attended by Australian Senators, former parliamentarians, human rights activists, media, and members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri Diaspora.
In his remarks at the occasion, High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri underscored the significance of 27 October in the history of Kashmir. He highlighted India’s breach of international law and violation of human rights on this day in 1947 and every single day for the past 76 years. He also emphasized the importance of international community’s intervention in addressing the ongoing crisis in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Paying rich tribute to Kashmiris’ struggle against the Indian occupation, the High Commissioner reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support to Kashmiri people till the realization of their right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions. He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per international law, UN Charter and the UNSC Resolutions.
Senator David Shoebridge, known for his longstanding commitment to human rights, drew attention to the 76th anniversary of the occupation of independent Jammu and Kashmir by Indian troops. He described October 27 as a day to call for the respect of human rights and called for a fresh UN-monitored process that would allow the people of Kashmir to freely and fairly express their will on self-determination.
In his remarks, Senator Jordon Steele-John also advocated for the rights of the people in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that all individuals have an unalienable right to self-determination, and the people of occupied Kashmir deserve the same. Senator Steele-John called upon the Indian government to restore and respect human rights in the region and emphasized the urgent need for international attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Former Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane and other speakers at the seminar also expressed their deep concerns over the prevailing humanitarian and human rights crisis faced by the people in the region. They called for immediate cessation on gross and systematic human rights violations in IIOJK and just resolution of the long-standing dispute as per international legitimacy.
Kashmir Black Day stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice, peace, and the realization of the right to self-determination for the people of IIOJK.
Separately, in a Press Release issued today, The Australian Greens Party urged the Australian government to play a more proactive role in advocating for the rights and self-determination of the people in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir at international forums.
The commemoration of Kashmir Black Day at the Parliament House underscores the dire humanitarian situation and human rights crisis currently affecting the people of IIOJK, thereby emphasizing the pressing need for immediate international action.
In a show of solidarity with Kashmiri people, similar events are being organized across Australia, including in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Canberra
27 October 2023