Ambassador Junaid Calls for Kashmir Resolution at SDE Talk

This day is observed to mark India’s landing of

troops in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir

in 1947, against the will of the Kashmiri people

Diplomatic Correspondent

Ankara: The Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, delivered a talk at the Institute of Strategic Thinking (SDE) in Ankara, focusing on the Kashmir issue in connection with the upcoming Kashmir Black Day on October 27. This day is observed to mark India’s landing of troops in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 1947, against the will of the Kashmiri people.

In his speech, Ambassador Dr. Junaid stressed the need to resolve the Kashmir dispute according to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions to ensure peace in the region and globally. He drew parallels between Kashmir and Palestine, noting that both represent ongoing examples of foreign occupation where people’s right to self-determination has been denied. Furthermore, he expressed concern over the worsening human rights situation in IIOJK, highlighting that despite UNSC resolutions calling for a plebiscite, the conflict remains unresolved.

The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Kashmir, pledging continued backing until the dispute is resolved in line with UNSC resolutions. He also thanked Turkiye, particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for its consistent support of the Kashmir cause.

SDE Vice President Alpar Tan reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict as per the will of the Kashmiri people. He emphasized that while the international system has the capacity to resolve such disputes, there is a lack of will when it comes to Kashmir and Palestine. Tan urged the international community, especially Islamic countries, to take action against human rights violations in IIOJK and push for the implementation of UN resolutions.

During the Q&A session, Ambassador (R) Numan Hazar criticized the global community’s indifference towards the plight of Kashmiris and Palestinians. The session concluded with participants reaffirming their support for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute as per UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.