Pakistan Independence Day and Kashmir Solidarity Day observed in Brazil

In view of the recent grave developments relating to Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK) coupled with the alarming increase in human rights violations therein, as announced by the Government of Pakistan, the Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated in Brazil today as a Day of Solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

The resident Pakistani community, Brazilian nationals along with Embassy personnel witnessed the flag hoisting ceremony organised at the Embassy of Pakistan in Brasilia and joined in singing the national anthem.

Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

The speakers including the Community Representative, Defence Attache Brig Mohammad Yousaf and First Secretary Azeem Ullah Cheema highlighted the historical significance of the day; paid rich tribute to the Founding Father and heroes of freedom struggle of Pakistan; and highlighted the massive human rights violations in IoK at the hands of Indian occupied forces.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Ambassador Najm us Saqib highlighted the numerous security and economic challenges facing the country and urged the Pakistani community to renew their commitment to keep serving their homeland with full devotion and dedication.

Expressing complete solidarity with the brotherly people of Kashmir, the Ambassador reierated Pakistan’s condemnation of India’s continuing brutal lockdown in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the resultant curtailment of religious freedom of millions of Kashmiris on the important festival of Eid-ul-Adha. The Ambassador stated that the Valley had been turned into a massive military prison and Kashmiris were prevented from offering the traditional prayers at Sri Nagar’s historical Jamia Masjid. Such measures amount to “collective punishment”, on an industrial scale and violate all principles of human rights and humanitarian law, the Ambassador stated.

To conclude, Ambassador Najm us Saqib called upon the international community, including the United Nations human rights machinery and other relevant bodies, to hold India to account for these deliberate crimes against religion, violations of international laws and lack of respect for human decency.

The solemn event ended with special prayers for the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir who are struggling to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.

Brasilia
14 August 2019