Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the globe are observing Black Day today (Monday) to draw international attention to the ongoing tragedy caused by India’s continued illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

It was on October 27, 1947, that Indian forces entered Jammu and Kashmir, occupying the territory in total violation of the subcontinent’s Partition Plan and against the will of the Kashmiri people.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has urged Kashmiris to mark the day with resolve, appealing to the global community to recognize the urgency of resolving the long-standing Kashmir dispute in accordance with international law and the aspirations of its people.

President, PM reaffirm solidarity

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have once again reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their just struggle for the right to self-determination.

In their messages issued on the occasion of Black Day, they said that October 27, 1947, remains one of the darkest chapters in history when Indian troops unlawfully occupied Jammu and Kashmir an occupation that continues to this day.

President Zardari noted that generations of Kashmiris have suffered unimaginable hardships under Indian rule, facing relentless repression, violence, and the denial of fundamental rights.

He strongly condemned India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, aimed at altering the demographic composition of the occupied territory.

The President urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to hold India accountable for grave human rights violations in IIOJK and to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions guaranteeing the right of self-determination to the Kashmiri people.

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said India continues to deny the Kashmiri people their inalienable right to self-determination.

He condemned India’s draconian laws, including the imprisonment of Kashmiri leaders and curbs on freedom of movement and expression.

He said Pakistan has consistently highlighted the plight of Kashmiri brothers and sisters before the international community and echoed their calls for freedom from Indian occupation.

Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that the Kashmiri people are not alone in their just struggle, as two-hundred and forty million Pakistanis stand firmly and resolutely beside them in their pursuit of self-determination.