The Embassy of Pakistan organized an extraordinary public diplomacy event marking “Kashmir Black Day”. 27 October 1947 symbolizes the beginning of the illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir.

The event featured a seminar on “Kashmir Issue from International Law Perspective,” attended by a group of students from department of International Relations of the LUISS Guido Carli University, one of the leading universities in Italy representing diverse nationalities. The event was moderated by Third Secretary Shahnawaz Khan, aimed to foster academic understanding and promote discussion on legal, historical, and humanitarian dimensions of IIOJK issue.

Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman Ruet‑e‑Hilal Committee and Grand Imam/Khateeb of Badshahi Mosque, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, along with philanthropist Faisal Edhi, Chairman Edhi Foundation, both currently in Rome at invitation of Sant’Egidio community to participate in International Meeting of Prayer for Peace titled ‘Dare to Peace’, an event also attended by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Salient feature of the event included a Poster Exhibition and Storyboards illustrating the historical and legal context of the Kashmir issue. Besides, publications on its history were also presented to the visiting students who expressed keen interest in incorporating the subject into their academic research.

The program concluded with a briefing on Maarka-e-Haq followed by an interactive QnA session, discussion and traditional Pakistani refreshments, allowing participants to experience Pakistani hospitality and cuisine.

Speaking on the occasion, the Charge d’Affaires Mr. Masood Gul highlighted the importance of Kashmir Black Day and reaffirmed that the Government and people of Pakistan will continue to extend their moral, political, and diplomatic support to their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle for self-determination. The event served as a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the people of IIOJK.

This was the fourth such event organized by the Embassy, reflecting its sustained efforts to promote public diplomacy, youth engagement, and academic linkages. Two weeks earlier, another event presided over by Hon’ble Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Advisor to the PM, was held during which Mr. Fabio Massimo Castaldo, former 2-term MEP was conferred with Sitara-e-Imtiaz for defending Kashmir at EU.

The Embassy’s continuing outreach underscores Pakistan’s commitment to raising awareness of the Kashmir issue and fostering dialogue and understanding through engagement with academia and civil society in Italy.

October 30, 2025

Rome