The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Kyiv observed the Kashmir Black Day to mark the Indian occupation of the large parts of Jammu & Kashmir against the will of Kashmiri people. The event started with recitation of the Holy Quran. Afterwards, the messages of the President, of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Foreign Minister Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani were read out.

The Ambassador, while addressing the audience, highlighted the grave human rights violations and the reign of tyranny, especially in the aftermath of revoking of article 370 and 35A, being imposed on the innocent Kashmiris by the Indian Occupation Forces. He also expressed that the Kashmiri people are enduring multi-faceted curbs, with their leadership incarcerated and their voice muzzled. However, the ongoing human rights violations cannot dampen the Kashmiri's struggle. The international community and media should highlight the plight of these defenseless people and hold India accountable for its brutalities and human rights violations in IIOJ&K.

The Ambassador further emphasized that peace and stability in South Asia remain contingent upon peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri. India must realize that it cannot suppress the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri by the use of force. We all strongly condemn the illegal, unilateral, reckless and coercive attempt by India to alter the disputed status of IIOJ&K as enshrined in the UNSC Resolutions. Pakistan will continue to provide moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people.

Mr. Dilawar Syed Akhmetov, Vice President, Council of Ukrainian Muslim's also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the human rights abuses in the IIOJ&K, Palestine, Crimea, and Syria. He emphasized the need to create awareness among the Ukrainian about the 'Kashmir issue to garner further support for the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for self-determination.

Due to ongoing war situation in Ukraine, the event was arranged with limited number of participants to include representatives from Pakistani community, students studying in Kyiv, representatives of Islamic Center in Kyiv, besides officers/officials of the Embassy:

Kyiv

27^th October 2023