ISLAMABAD: Kashmiri groups and political leaders on Monday observed India’s Republic Day as a “Black Day” and called for renewed international efforts to highlight the political and human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The speakers were addressing a seminar organised jointly by the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Friends of Kashmir International and the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services.
Participants said the observance was meant to draw global attention to what they described as ongoing rights violations in the disputed region and to renew calls for a resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee Rana Qasim Noon said the Kashmir dispute remained unresolved despite international commitments, adding that sustained global engagement was essential to address the concerns of the Kashmiri people.
Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan said Kashmiris rejected India’s claim of sovereignty over the region and called for stronger diplomatic efforts to raise the issue at international forums.
Former AJK president and PML-N leader Shah Ghulam Qadir, along with All Parties Hurriyat Conference representative Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, also addressed the gathering and urged the international community to take notice of developments in the disputed territory.
KIIR Chairman Altaf Hussain Wani said the seminar aimed to “amplify the Kashmiri voice” and counter what he termed attempts to normalise the situation in the region.
Senator Mushahid Hussain said the Kashmir dispute should be raised at major global platforms, arguing that the issue had serious implications for regional and international peace and stability.
National Assembly member Sher Afzal Marwat said the dispute would remain a source of instability unless resolved through dialogue and in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The seminar was also addressed by Abdul Hameed Lone and other political figures.