BERLIN, Oct 28 (APP): The Embassy of Pakistan in Berlin organised a seminar on Wednesday to observe Jammu & Kashmir Black Day, which Pakistan marks on October 27 in reference to the 1947 landing of Indian forces in Srinagar.
The event reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in their pursuit of the right to self-determination.
The seminar was attended by members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, German civil society representatives, academics, media personnel and students.
The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan, Germany and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Messages from the President, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out, outlining Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute.
Ambassador Salman Sharif, addressing the gathering, spoke about the historical background of the dispute and raised concerns over alleged human rights violations in the region. He said lasting peace and stability in South Asia depend on a just resolution of the dispute in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Volker Tschapke, Honorary President of the Prussian Society, and Hans Dube also attended and spoke about the significance of the issue. Kashmiri leaders and activists Altaf Hussain Wani, Shamim Shawl and Ali Raza Syed addressed the seminar through video messages, describing what they termed arbitrary detentions, demographic changes and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in the territory.
Participants expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people and pledged to raise awareness within their communities across Germany. Speakers also praised the government and people of Pakistan for their continued support for the Kashmiri cause at international forums.
A documentary on the situation of the Kashmiri people was screened during the seminar. Afterwards, participants viewed a photographic exhibition at the Embassy depicting alleged human rights violations by Indian security forces in the region, as well as the Kashmiri people’s aspirations for freedom.
The event concluded with a collective prayer for the peace, progress and freedom of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
