Brussels, (Unib Rashid) __ A solemn event was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels to observe Kashmir Black Day on October 27 — the day in 1947 when Indian forces illegally entered Jammu and Kashmir, marking the beginning of decades of occupation and oppression.

The event, held on Wednesday evening, highlighted the ongoing struggle and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. The ceremony was attended by members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities, human rights activists, and representatives of local and international media.

The program, moderated by Hadiqa Qureshi, began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Usman. Messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion — the President’s message by Syed Asad Raza Rizvi, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the World Customs Organization, and the Prime Minister’s message by Sidra Munaf, newly appointed Trade and Investment Attaché.

A recorded video message from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar was also played, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic, moral, and political support for the Kashmiri people until the realization of their right to self-determination.

A documentary film was screened to present the historical and political background of Kashmir Black Day, shedding light on the continued human rights violations committed by Indian forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Speakers including Dr. Ali Shirazi, President of Kashmir Peace Forum Belgium Chaudhry Naseer, and Chairman of Kashmir Council-EU Ali Raza Syed urged the international community to play its role in ending human rights abuses in IIOJK and ensuring the implementation of UN resolutions. They emphasized that lasting peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

In his keynote address, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg Rahim Hayat Qureshi recalled his interactions with Kashmiri leaders, including the late Syed Ali Gilani, during his posting in India. He quoted Gilani as saying that since October 27, 1947, three generations of Kashmiris have kept the flame of freedom alive in their hearts — a struggle that will continue until Kashmir becomes part of Pakistan.

Ambassador Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the Kashmiri cause, pledging that Pakistan will continue to raise its voice for Kashmiris at all international forums and stand with them until the dawn of freedom in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the Embassy organized a week-long photo exhibition depicting the everyday realities of life under Indian occupation, the resilience of the Kashmiri people, and their enduring quest for justice.

The event concluded with a collective prayer for peace, justice, and a lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The gathering reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to continue supporting the Kashmiri struggle on all international platforms until their right to self-determination is realized.