The Embassy of Pakistan, The Hague organized a seminar to mark ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ on 05 February 2024.
The speakers included Mr. Ali Raza Syed, Chairman Kashmir Council European Union, Mr. Johannes Karel Gaasbeek, a prominent Dutch Lawyer, Prof. Dr. Tahir Abbas, Chair of Radicalization Studies at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University, The Hague, and Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar.
The seminar was attended by a large number of participants including representatives of NGOs, academia, university students and community members.
The speakers highlighted the historical, political, legal, human, peace and security dimension of Jammu and Kashmir dispute. They also emphasized the negative implications of India’s unabated unilateral actions in IIOJK.
Mr. Ali Raza Syed highlighted key junctures of UN’s involvement in Jammu & Kashmir dispute and efforts by the UN to resolve the dispute, which were thwarted by India. Syed spoke at length about the current situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). He highlighted the atrocities by Indian authorities and violation of human rights in IIOJK.
He urged the international community to play its role in peaceful and just settlement of Kashmir dispute in the light of UN resolutions.
Mr. Johannes Karel Gaasbeek condemned Indian occupation forces for illegal detention of Kashmiri lawyers, journalists and activists, and for suppressing the voice of journalists and human rights activist. He asked the international community to play its role in peaceful and just settlement of Kashmir dispute in the light of UN resolutions.
Professor Dr. Tahir Abbas highlighted sufferings of Kashmiri people. He declared human rights violations in IIOJK, a big challenge to the conscience of the international community. He elaborated the consequences of India’s unilateral actions on the peace and security in the region. He said that over the years, numerous reports have emerged from Kashmir alleging widespread arbitrary detentions, severe restrictions on basic civil liberties and freedoms, and the frequent use of excessive military force against civilians. Ignoring, dismissing, or accepting the immense civilian suffering in Kashmir over decades would be the most profound betrayal of our shared ethical values and humanity.
Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support to the just struggle of Kashmiri people for realization of their inalienable right of self-determination. He highlighted security and human rights situation in IIOJK since India’s illegal actions of 05 August 2019. He said that Indian Supreme Court’s decision of 11 December 2023 could not absolve India of its international obligations under the UN Security Council resolutions. He condemned Indian government’s use of Hindutva ideology to subjugate Kashmiris. He reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The special messages by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ were also read out to the participants. The participants were also shown a short documentary on the current plight of the Kashmiris in IIOJK.
