The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Netherlands organized a webinar on Kashmir to observe “Youm-e-Istehsal” on 06 August 2022. The webinar focused on evolving situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) during last three years since India’s unilateral action to revoke Articles 35 (A) and 370 to undo the special status of Jammu & Kashmir.
The speakers at the webinar included Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI and Former Foreign Secretary, Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of Kashmir Council European Union, Prof. Muhammad Aslam Syed, a known academic and public intellectual.
The webinar was virtually attended by a number of participants including academics, university students and community members. The speakers highlighted deteriorating human rights situation in IIOJK since 5 August 2019 as well as the historical, political and legal dimensions of Jammu and Kashmir dispute. They also emphasized on implications of India’s unilateral annexation of IIOJK.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI elaborated the history of Kashmiri people’s sufferings and threat to their identity due to demographic engineering by the Indian government. He highlighted the cultural, social and economic linkages between Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir. He also underlined the impact of geopolitical implications and the relevance of Kashmir dispute to peace and security in the region.
Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of Kashmir Council European Union, highlighted the atrocities of Indian government and violation of human rights in IIOJK. He condemned Indian occupation forces for illegal detention of Kashmiri leaders, killing innocent people and suppressing the voice of journalists and human rights activist. While touching upon the humanitarian, diplomatic and legal aspects of Kashmir dispute, he asked the international community to play role in peaceful and just settlement of Kashmir dispute in the light of UN resolutions.
Prof. Muhammad Aslam Syed expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK and focused on the worsening human rights situation after 5 August 2019. He said that the West had a double standard when it came to human rights violations in IIOJK. He strongly urged to raise voice against Indian atrocities and called international community to ask India to fulfill its commitments made in the United Nations.
Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar said that “Youm-e-Istehsal” is a dark day in the history of Kashmir. During last three years, staggering human rights situation followed by draconian military siege in IIOJK is a challenge for the international community. He accentuated that India’s Hindutva indoctrination has been exposed by growing ultra-nationalism and racism. The Indian government has illegally issued 4.2 million domiciles to non-Kashmiris to change demographic composition in violation of the 4th Geneva Convention. He condemned the imprisonment of Yasin Malik on fabricated charges. Ambassador Tarar elaborated Pakistan’s efforts afoot to rally international support for the cause of right of self-determination of Kashmiri brethren.
The participants actively participated in the session and also raised some questions which were responded by the panel. Ambassador Tarar thanked the speakers and participants for the discussion and joining Pakistan Embassy to commemorate “Youm-e-Istehsal”.
The Hague
06 August 2022
