ANKARA, Oct 27 (APP): The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara commemorated Kashmir Black Day on Tuesday with a solemn ceremony to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and reaffirm Pakistan’s unwavering support for their inalienable right to self-determination.
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic community, Turkish dignitaries, politicians, intelligentsia, members of the Pakistani community in Ankara and media representatives.
The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Türkiye. A documentary highlighting the historical significance of Kashmir Black Day and the longstanding struggle of the Kashmiri people was screened.
The speakers included Güray Alpar, President of the Geopolitical Foresight Institute; Mustafa Kaya, Deputy Chairman of the Felicity Party (Saadet Partisi); Prof. Dr. Recep Akdag, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health of Türkiye; and Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara.
In his remarks, Mr Alpar described the struggle of the Kashmiri people as a matter of human dignity, emphasising their right to determine their own future. He expressed concern that the voices of Kashmiris had not received the international attention they deserved and highlighted the importance of solidarity with their legitimate aspirations.
Mustafa Kaya underlined the close connection between the Kashmir and Palestine issues, observing that the resolution of both disputes was essential for lasting peace. He also drew attention to similarities between the policies pursued by India in Kashmir and those implemented by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for the Kashmiri people’s legitimate struggle, irrespective of political affiliations.
Prof. Dr. Recep Akdag highlighted the importance of justice, dialogue and international solidarity in addressing longstanding conflicts. He stressed that the people of Kashmir must be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination and determine their own future in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
In his concluding remarks, Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto recalled the events of 27 October 1947 and stated that “a dispute cannot be considered resolved simply because it has endured for generations.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law, relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He also expressed deep appreciation for Türkiye’s consistent support. He condemned India’s unilateral decision in April 2025 to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, stressing that the Treaty remains a cornerstone of regional water security and stability. He underscored that shared water resources must not be used as instruments of political pressure and called for respect for international law and existing treaty obligations.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
