ANKARA, OCT 27 /DNA/ – The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara organized an event to commemorate Kashmir Black Day. This year marks the completion of seventy-eight years of India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was attended by former Minister of Agriculture Mr. Mehmet Mehdi Eker, Chairperson Saadet Party, Member Parliament Mr. Mahmut Arıkan former Minister of Family and Social Services and Director General SESRIC Ms. Zehra Selçuk, President Geostrategic Foresight Institute General (R) Güray Alpar, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, media representatives, think tanks, and civil society.
In his remarks, Mr. Mehmet Mehdi Eker stated that the days of oppression and injustice in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) will inevitably come to an end, and the Kashmiri people will realize their inalienable right to self-determination. He emphasized that no amount of force can suppress a just cause, and the perseverance of the Kashmiri people stands as a symbol of their unyielding resolve for justice and freedom.
In his speech, Chairperson Saadet Party Member Parliament Mr. Mahmut Arıkan, emphasized that the Kashmir issue is not merely a political dispute but a question of justice, humanity and dignity. Stressing the need for greater Muslim unity and collective action, he noted that challenges such as those faced in Kashmir and Gaza underscore the urgency for the Muslim world to stand together in upholding justice and the rights of oppressed peoples. He called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and the OIC, to play their due role in ending the ongoing atrocities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and in facilitating a peaceful resolution in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In her address, Ms. Zehra Selçuk, reaffirmed the steadfast support of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people. She underlined that the OIC has consistently condemned human rights violations in IIOJK and has called for the implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions that guarantee the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination.
Mr. Guray Alpar, President Geostrategic Foresight Institute, emphasized that durable peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He observed that the persistence of the conflict not only undermines regional stability but also poses risks to global peace, calling for greater international engagement and respect for international norms.
In his address, Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid stated that Kashmir Black Day marks one of the most tragic days in the history of South Asia — the day when India forcibly occupied Jammu and Kashmir in flagrant violation of international law and the will of the Kashmiri people. He elaborated on the grave human rights violations perpetrated by Indian occupation forces, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and efforts to alter the demographic composition of IIOJK.
Ambassador Junaid expressed profound gratitude to the people and government of Türkiye, particularly H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for their consistent and principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and for raising the issue in the United Nations General Assembly. He also stated that for lasting peace in South Asia the Kashmir issue must be resolved according to the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people as per United Nations Security Council resolutions.
