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Islamabad: Speakers at a seminar in the Malaysian capital called on the international community to take stock of the miseries and plight of Kashmiri people and come forward in a big way to ensure a solution of the lingering dispute in accordance with Kashmiris’ aspirations, says a press release received here today from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The call was made during an event organised jointly by the Global Peace Mission (GPM), Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) and High Commission for Pakistan in Malaysia on Wednesday to mark the Kashmir Black Day observed all over the world on 27thOctober every year to protest against the occupation of the Kashmir Valley by the Indian troops 63 years ago.
A large number of civil society representatives, members of Kashmir and Pakistani communities, academicians and students attended the function addressed by various notable speakers, including ABIM Secretary General Mr. Mohammad Raimi Abdul Rahim, noted academician Prof Dr. Ruhanas Harun and Mr. Rafiq Bin Fazal Din from Malaysian Centre for Policy Research.
The speakers highlighted the spirit of the day and called on the international community to help resolve the issue of Kashmir to secure peace and stability in the region.
They said the people of Kashmir had long suffered in search of freedom and in an age when the human freedoms were being watched and secured by the civilized world through diplomatic means and multi-layered dialogue, the Kashmiris were crying for an early, just and lasting solution.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the High Commissioner for Pakistan in Malaysia, Mr. Masood Khalid highlighted the significance of the Kashmir Black Day which marked the beginning of a reign of terror and a life of untold misery for the millions of Kashmiris who have since been gruelling and groaning under the yoke of Indian subjugation.
“Hundreds and thousands have given the ultimate sacrifice … hundreds and thousands continue to suffer from humiliation, misery and injustice which have become an inseparable part of their lives at the hands of an occupying force,” he said.
The High Commissioner also enunciated Pakistan’s position vis-à-vis the Kashmir issue, saying “our position is based on the support for a just cause and on principles recognized by the international community and enshrined in the UN Charter”.
“We support their inalienable right to self-determination and we are not apologetic about it as this was the promise made to Kashmiri people by the UN and international community,” he said, adding Pakistan will continue to extend full moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their right to self-determination.
Mr. Masood Khalid told the audience Pakistan had long campaigned for a just and peaceful solution to the issue of Kashmir. “Pakistan’s position is of dialogue, conciliation and adherence to UN principles and Charter.
We are cognizant of our obligations towards peace and security in our region. We believe that a meaningful and sustained dialogue could result in resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” he said.
He said Pakistan wanted a sustained and meaningful dialogue with India for settling all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure regional peace and stability. “It is our hope that wisdom and foresight will prevail and this issue will be resolved for the sake of durable peace and prosperity in South Asia,” he said.
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