Kashmir Solidarity Day Observed in South Africa

“The United Nations promised through multiple resolutions that the final disposition of the State of Jammu & Kashmir would be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through democratic means of a free and impartial plebiscite. Decades have passed by and the people of Jammu and Kashmir are still looking towards the world community and the United Nations to fulfil the promises made to them with regard to their right to self-determination” the High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa His Excellency Mr. Sohail Khan stated. The High Commissioner condemned the killings in the Indian Occupied Kashmir by the Indian Occupation Forces terming it “unacceptable”.

The High Commissioner was addressing people from all walks of life gathered at the High Commission to commemorate the Kashmir Solidarity Day in Pretoria today. He expressed grave concern over the killings and other human rights violations taking place in the Indian Occupied Kashmir by the Indian Security Forces. While saluting the bravery and courage displayed by the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir, he stated that Pakistan would continue to provide moral, diplomatic and political support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for attaining their inalienable right to self-determination. He called upon international community and human rights organizations to take note of the Indian atrocities.

Ms. Areeba Malik, Mrs. Shamshad Begum, Mr. Salman Khan, Dr. Haroon Abbasi, Mian Naseer Ahmed and other pro Kashmiri activists in Pretoria s highlighted the important role of the international community in helping to bring a lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute. They expressed the hope that the South African community would be actively engaged on this vital subject.

His Royal Highness Prince Muzi Dlamini, the brother of the King of Swaziland was the Chief Guest in the Progamme to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day. In his address, he said that Africa understands plight of Kashmiri people. He said that the time has come to find a lasting solution for the innocent Kashmiri people in accordance with the UN Resolutions. He stated that he would carry the voice of the Kashmiri people all over Africa.

A full house comprising academicians, journalists, representatives of community, religious scholars and officials of the High Commission attended a simple but dignified function, organized by the High Commission to observe the “Kashmir Solidarity Day” in South Africa.

Messages by the President and the Prime Minister on Kashmir Solidarity Day were also read out to the audience. In the end, Maulana Akbar Hazarvi of Darul Uloom Pretoria led the prayers for a just solution of the Kashmir dispute and a bright future for the people of Kashmir.

Members of Pakistan Community, Kashmiri Diaspora and friends of Kashmir took out a rally which ended at Pakistan High Commission, Pretoria. The participants held placards demanding solution of Jammu and Kashmir Dispute in accordance with the UN Resolutions. The placards also demanded an end to Indian atrocities in IOK. The participants of the rally presented a Memorandum to the High Commission Officials as well.

Pretoria

February 5, 2018