Kashmir Solidarity Day, 5 February 2020

High Commission for Pakistan

Wellington

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Press Release

Kashmir Solidarity Day (5 February 2020)

The High Commission organized a special ceremony to observe “Kashmir Solidarity Day” to express solidarity with the people of Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir. A sizeable number of the Pakistanis and Kashmiri diaspora living in Wellington and Palmerston North attended this event.

H.E. Dr. Abdul Malik, High Commissioner of Pakistan to New Zealand highlighted the significance of the ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ (5 February) with its historical perspective and said that Pakistanis observe this Day every year since 1990 to renew their pledge to extend their all-out support to their Kashmiri brethren who are engaged in a peaceful struggle to secure their inalienable right of self-determination.

The High Commissioner said that this year the day was being observed in the backdrop of India’s unilateral and illegal move of abolishing special status of Kashmir and its forceful annexure on 5 August 2019. He explained that the Modi government has put the territory under military siege and that millions of Kashmiris were confined to their homes while thousands were arrested. Continued curfew, restrictions and communication blackout have led to a humanitarian crisis in Kashmir.

The High Commissioner also reiterated Pakistan’s moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people. He said that the Prime Minister Imran Khan had been vigorously highlighting the plight of the people of Kashmir at all global forums including the UN General Assembly.

The High Commissioner concluded with the remarks that the Kashmir Solidarity Day conveys a clear message to India that it would have to recognize Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and resolve the issue as per UN Charter and UNSC resolutions.

A special documentary on Kashmir Solidarity Day and human rights violations in IoJ&K was also screened on this occasion.

Pakistan’s Women Tennis Team that is currently touring New Zealand for an international tournament also participated in the event.

-Wellington 5 February 2020