Ankara: 5 August 2026

Keçiören Municipality today hosted a photo exhibition at the Estergon Castle Cultural Center to commemorate Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, marking the seventh anniversary of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The event was attended by representatives of the Embassy of Pakistan, municipal authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, academia, media, and civil society.

The ceremony commenced with a moment of silence in remembrance of the martyrs, followed by the national anthems of Türkiye and Pakistan and the recitation from the Holy Quran.

Delivering the opening remarks, Deputy Mayor of Keçiören, Mr. Atilla Zorlu, conveyed the warm greetings of Mayor Dr. Mesut Ozarslan. He emphasized that the gathering extended beyond a standard exhibition, representing a shared emotional and historical bond with the Kashmir region. Highlighting the deep-rooted brotherhood between Türkiye and Pakistan, forged during Turkiye's War of Independence, Mr. Zorlu recalled the historical unity exemplified by poets Mehmet Akif Ersoy and Allama Muhammad labal. He reiterated Türkiye's ongoing prayers for peace, justice, and stability across oppressed geographies.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto, highlighted the humanitarian situation in IIOJK and stated that the photographs on display reflected the human consequences of the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position that a just and lasting settlement of the dispute could only be achieved in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the exercise of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Following the remarks, the dignitaries inaugurated the photo exhibition and toured the gallery, which portrayed the humanitarian situation and resilience of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

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