The Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, held a solemn and dignified event to mark the sixth anniversary of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir (Day of Exploitation). The event reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic, political, and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Large Turnout Reflects Enduring Commitment to Kashmir Cause
Held at the Consulate premises, the event witnessed a significant turnout of Pakistani-American and Kashmiri diaspora, civil society members, academics, journalists, and diplomatic representatives. The presence of such a diverse and engaged audience reflected the deep-rooted emotional and historical connection the diaspora maintains with the cause of Jammu and Kashmir
.Consul General Pays Tribute to Kashmiri Resilience
In his opening address, Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai paid rich tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people who have endured decades of oppression and military occupation. He condemned India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, which aimed to alter the demographic structure and political identity of Jammu and Kashmir — a direct violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
He called upon the international community to hold India accountable for its continued human rights violations in the region and to support the legitimate struggle of Kashmiris for their right to self-determination.
Pakistan’s Leadership Reaffirms National Commitment
Messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read during the event. These messages reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance and its continued commitment to raise the Kashmir issue at every international forum, expressing unwavering support for the people of IIOJK until justice is served and UN-mandated resolutions are implemented.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Calls Out Oppression and Demographic Engineering
Delivering the keynote address, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, drew powerful comparisons between India’s current policies in IIOJK and historical examples of state-led oppression. He specifically highlighted the demographic engineering, denial of rights, and silencing of voices in Kashmir under the Modi government.
He emphasized that Pakistan remains firmly committed to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and has persistently raised the issue on international platforms, particularly at the United Nations, to ensure it remains on the global agenda.
Voices of Support from the International and Kashmiri Community
Other notable speakers included:
- Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru, Permanent Observer of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the United Nations
- Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of the World Kashmir Awareness Forum
- Dr. Abdulhamid Siyam, respected academic and senior journalist
- Dr. Asif-ur-Rehman, prominent representative of the Kashmiri-American community
Each speaker condemned India’s continued occupation, military lockdown, and suppression of basic freedoms in IIOJK. They expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people and stressed that justice and human dignity must prevail over authoritarianism and occupation.
A Strong Closing Resolve for Advocacy and Action
The event concluded with a powerful reaffirmation of Pakistan’s pledge to continue highlighting the plight of Kashmiris at all diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian forums. Participants and organizers reiterated that Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for justice, dignity, and the realization of their right to self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
