Day: October 27, 2020

Islamabad, October 27, 2020 (PPI-OT):To observe the Kashmir Black Day, the Embassy of Pakistan in Tehran organized a webinar today to express support of Pakistani government and the nation for the Kashmiri people in their struggle against the continued Indian illegal occupation of Jammu Kashmir. A number of Iranian scholars, academicians, media persons, member of Pakistani community and Pakistani and Iranian students virtually participated in the event, says a press release received here today from Tehran. On the occasion, the messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were readout. In his remarks, Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi emphasized that Kashmiris have been subjected to the use of brute force from the Indian occupation forces since 27 October 1947.

Beginning from that day, the Indian security forces have systematically maimed, executed, murdered, blinded and raped thousands of innocent Kashmiris through state-sponsored terrorism. Expressing his gratitude to the Iranian leadership, the Ambassador highlighted that it has always given a great regard to the struggle for self-determination in IIJOK. He also thanked the Iranian print and electronic media for projecting the Kashmir cause and in highlighting the systematic human rights violations committed by the Indian occupation forces.

The Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s call to the world leaders, international community including the United Nations, and all human rights organizations to urge India to halt the brute use of force against the innocent Kashmiri people and resolve the Kashmir Dispute as per the charter of the United Nations and various UNSC Resolutions. Hujjat-ul-Islam Dr. Salman Naqvi and senior students from Ferdowsi University, Mashhad and Tehran University, in their speeches, condemned the continuing atrocities and gross human rights violations being committed by the Indian occupation forces in IIJOK. The speeches were followed by a question-answer session. At the end, a special prayer was held for the alleviation of sufferings of innocent Kashmiris and for their freedom from barbaric and illegal Indian rule.

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Islamabad, October 27, 2020 (PPI-OT):Turkey’s unflinching support for Jammu Kashmir dispute was once again reiterated at an event organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara today. Chairman of Turkey-Pakistan Friendship Group in Turkish Parliament Mr. Ali Sahin was chief guest, says a press release received here today from Ankara. Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out by Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Arshad Jan Pathan. Pakistani leadership reiterated political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir until the resolution of the dispute according to the aspirations of the Kashmiris.

Parliamentarian Mr. Ali Sahin, in his keynote speech said Kashmir has become an open air prison with one Indian soldier for 9 Kashmiris and thousands of Kashmiris killed. He said the heaven on earth Kashmir has been turned into a hell and this is a point to ponder for the global community. Ali Sahin urged the Western world to break its silence and speak up for the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK).

“As President Erdogan in his speech at Pakistan Parliament in February said, the people of Pakistan and Kashmir supported us in Canakkale battle, it is our turn to support the people of Pakistan and Kashmir,” said Ali Sahin. He underlined that as a Turkish nation, we will continue to stand side by side with the oppressed Kashmiris. He emphasized that Turkish support would continue until the Kashmir dispute is resolved peacefully under the United Nations Security Council Resolutions and as per wishes of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi in his remarks said 27 October is observed as “Black Day” to mark that infamous day in 1947, when Indian forces landed in Srinagar to occupy and oppress the innocent people of IIOJK in a blatant violation of international law. This day marked the beginning of a long night of oppression for the Kashmiris under Indian occupation, and a grave human tragedy that continues to this very day.

The Ambassador said after the 5th August 2019 illegal actions of the Indian government in IIOJK, the BJP government aims to alter disputed region’s demography to advance its ‘Hindutva’ agenda in the form of a demographic assault. India is not allowing access for international organizations to its occupied territory and has recently sealed the offices of English language dailies, ‘Kashmir Times’, and ‘Kashmir News Service’. Ambassador Qazi urged the international community to fulfil its moral and legal obligation by giving Kashmiris the chance to realize their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with UNSC resolutions.

He thanked the people and leadership of Turkey for its principled position and continuous support on Jammu Kashmir dispute, particularly President Erdogan for highlighting the Kashmir issue in his address during the 75th session of United Nations General Assembly. Turkish student Ms. Nesibe Yava, who was awarded yesterday for her speech in a declamation contest about Kashmir organized by Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, also read her speech. A photography exhibition by Turkish NGO Cansuyu on the ongoing human rights violations in the IIOJK was also organized during the event. The Medipol University of Istanbul separately organized a zoom conference “Understanding Kashmir’s Black Day” Between Past and Present”.

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Islamabad, October 27, 2020 (PPI-OT):President Dr. Arif Alvi in his capacity as Chancellor of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) chaired the 10th senate meeting at Governor House Lahore on October 27th, 2020. President Dr. Arif Alvi highlighted the importance of fashion and design industry and its contribution towards socio-economic growth of the country. He also appreciated efforts of PIFD in producing professional graduates who are not only adding value to the textile and fashion industry but also helping boost Pakistan’s exports.

The President encouraged PIFD to develop more collaborations with international institutions and platforms to further enhance the quality of design education. Those present on occasion included Secretary to President Mr. Tariq Najeeb Najmi, Professor Hina Tayyaba Khalil – Vice Chancellor of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and design and the senate members. They discussed various academic, administrative, and financial matters related to PIFD and approved the annual report and budget for 2020-2021.

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Islamabad, October 27, 2020 (PPI-OT):President Dr Arif Alvi has underscored the need for an inclusive education system to mainstream special children in normal schools for their effective participation in society. The inclusive education would help the special children to become a national asset, he said and added that after getting an education in normal schools, the children with disabilities could better serve society and get an education as per the market needs. The President said that employment quota in public and private sector institutions should be implemented and strictly monitored by concerned authorities so that the differently-abled-persons (DAPs) can support their families. The President gave these marks while addressing a briefing on disability by Special Education and Social Welfare Departments at Governor’s House.

The meeting was attended by Governor Punjab, Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar, Punjab Minister for Law and Social Welfare, Raja Basharat, Punjab Minister for Finance, Hashim Jawan Bakht and senior officials of the government of Punjab were also present. Dr Arif Alvi underscored the need to develop a framework for classifying the disabilities so that DAPs could be provided facilities as per their requirements. He said that it was the responsibility of the government to look after the marginalized sectors of society. He said that the government was taking measures for the welfare of DAPs, and the private sector also needed to be encouraged to play their part for the provision of education to special children.

While highlighting the need to implement DAPs’ quota in the private sector, the President said that the private sector in partnership with the government could help special children by granting them access to state of the art learning opportunities. Dr Arif Alvi also stressed the need for employing DAPs and appreciated the steps taken by the Punjab Special Education Department and Social Welfare Department for taking effective and efficient steps for special children.

Earlier, Secretary Punjab Special Education, Syed Javed Iqbal, and Secretary Social Welfare Department, Hassan Iqbal gave a detailed briefing on DAPs. The meeting was briefed about special education and steps taken by the government for the provision of free education, pick drop facilities, service delivery stipend, and uniforms. They briefed the meeting that during the last two years, the Punjab government had provided 62 new buses, and 14 special-education institutes were upgraded.

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Islamabad, October 27, 2020 (PPI-OT):Pursuant to the Supreme Court’s Orders dated 08-07-2020 and 21-20-2020, the Federal Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Dr. Muhammad Farogh Naseem briefed the Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding establishment of 120 Accountability Courts across the country, on 26th October, 2020. The Prime Minister was pleased to grant in principle approval to establish 120 Accountability Courts in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. However, owing to financial constraints, initially thirty (30) Accountability Courts will be established whereas the remaining Courts shall be established in phased manner keeping in view the workload.

The Prime Minister was further pleased to direct the Establishment and Finance Divisions to extend full support to implement the decision of establishment of additional Accountability Courts e.g. creation of posts, HR related issues, provisions of finances, etc. Moreover, Parliamentary Secretary on Law and Justice Barrister Maleeka Bokhari gave a briefing regarding creation of Special Courts to prosecute gender based violence crimes, which includes rape and sexual abuse against women, children and transgenders. The initiative of the Ministry of Law and Justice was appreciated by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was pleased to direct the Ministry of Law and Justice that after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders, to separately move a comprehensive proposal to bring amendments in the existing laws and establish the Special Gender Based Violence (GBV) Courts across the country.

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Islamabad, October 27, 2020 (PPI-OT):The High Commission organized a day-long Photo Exhibition today to mark Kashmir Black Day. The photos of the Kashmiri victims of Indian atrocities were displayed in the premises of the Mission. The heart-rending depictions of the human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as documented and widely reported by the UN Offices, INGOs, volunteers and international media, highlighted the unending plight of the Kashmiris, says a press release received here today from London. On this occasion, High Commissioner, Moazzam Ahmad Khan paid homage to the Kashmiri victims and lauded their unbreakable resolve for self-determination.

He briefed the visitors and media about the importance of 27th October, when in 1947, India forcibly occupied Jammu and Kashmir. On this day, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, and across the globe observe Black Day. Speaking about egregious human rights abuses being committed by India, the High Commissioner called upon the international community to intervene and stop bloodshed of the voiceless and defenceless people of Kashmir, and stop ongoing Indian atrocities in IIOJK. The High Commissioner said that such events underlined the need to hold India accountable for its crimes against humanity.

He said the exhibition would help visitors understand the gravity of human rights abuses committed by Indian occupation forces, spanning over many decades. For its part, Pakistan will continue to raise its voice for the Kashmiris on all platforms, added Mr Khan. Observing social distancing, the Kashmiri community and British friends of Kashmir visited the exhibition in small groups during the day, paid tribute to the Kashmiri victims and expressed solidarity with the besieged Kashmiris. They also laid flowers in front of the photos to pay homage to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people rendered during their rightful struggle for self-determination.

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Islamabad, October 27, 2020 (PPI-OT):Today, we are observing Black day of Kashmir. This is the day on which the Maharaja of Kashmir is supposed to have signed the letter of accession to India. We have never seen a signed copy and never recognized the legality of this so called accession. In any case, on the 5th of August, 2019, India has thrown away any pretension to a legal claim to Kashmir. India has rescinded all measures. And its only claim to Kashmir today is the use of naked force by the army of occupation, which numbers 900,000 troops and is perpetrating the most atrocious repression against the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 13,000 youth has been abducted, all political leaders are incarcerated.

Pakistan has expressed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the struggle for self-determination, as promised to them by the resolutions of the Security Council and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Pakistan will continue its efforts and every international forum and in every capital of the world to promote the legitimate cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We will be consistent, and we will be strong in our support. And we are confident that the way people of Jammu Kashmir also remain resilient in the struggle for freedom and self-determination.

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