NNA - The Embassy of Pakistan in Beirut marked Kashmir Solidarity Day by organizing a Zoom webinar, bringing together prominent members of civil society, think tanks, academics, and leading journalists from both Lebanon and Pakistan. The event aimed to highlight the plight of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and reaffirm solidarity with their just struggle for self-determination.

In his remarks, Ambassador Salman Athar underscored the significance of the day emphasizing that it serves as a reminder of the invaluable sacrifices made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in pursuit of their fundamental rights. He strongly condemned the atrocities committed by Indian security forces in IIOJK and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute. Stressing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution, he called for implementing UN Security Council resolutions in letter and spirit.

The webinar participants highlighted that India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019 in IIOJK were a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. They further noted India’s continued attempts to alter the demographic and political landscape of IIOJK, including the Indian Supreme Court’s judgment of 11 December 2023, which was seen as another step in denying Kashmiris their right to self-determination. The speakers also criticized India’s intransigent approach in resolving the long-standing dispute.

Later in the evening, the Ambassador hosted a gathering at Pakistan House, attended by prominent Lebanese media representatives, civil society members, academics, and think tanks. The guests were briefed on the historical background of the Kashmir dispute and the significance of Kashmir Solidarity Day. The event featured documentaries and a pictorial exhibition, depicting the human rights violations and suffering of the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation.

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