Message from Asif Ali Zardari – President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of “Kashmir Black Day”, 27 October 2024

October 27, 1947, marks a dark chapter in South Asian history when India sent troops
to occupy Jammu and Kashmir, For decades, the people of Indian Illegally Occupied
Jammu and Kashmir (LOJK) have endured brutal repression by Indian forces. Over
the years, India has transformed IIOJK into one of the most militarised regions in the
world. Thousands of innocent Kashmiris have been killed, while their legitimate
leaders remain imprisoned, and local media is heavily censored.

The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly affirmed the right of the Kashmiri
people to self-determination through a fair and impartial plebiscite. Yet, India
continues to defy these resolutions and deny Kashmiris their fundamental rights.
Since August 5, 2019, India has further escalated its occupation by stripping lOJK of
its special status and implementing measures to alter its demographic and political
landscape. These actions are part of a broader strategy to consolidate control and
suppress the Kashmiri Freedom Movement.

Despite these oppressive tactics, the resilient people of Kashmir remain steadfast in
their struggle for freedom. We strongly condemn India’s ongoing atrocities and
reaffirm our unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri
people’s just cause.

The recent developments in the Middle East are a stark reminder that long-standing
disputes should not be allowed to fester. Violating international law and pushing
Kashmiris have waited for the world, especially the United Nations, to deliver them
their right to self-determination. The world can no longer ignore its responsibility.

We urge the international community to pressurise India to halt its human rights
abuses in lOJK, alleviate the suffering of Kashmiris, and implement UN Security
Council resolutions. Pakistan will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its Kashmiri
brothers and sisters until they achieve their inalienable right to self-determination.