Remarks by H.E. Aisha Farooqui, Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan on the occasion of the Kashmir Solidarity Day seminar, 5 February 2015

Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, Chairman, Pakistan-Turkey Cultural Association

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to begin by conveying our profound thanks to the Chairman of Pakistan-Turkey Cultural Association Mr. Burhan Kayaturk and members of his association for organizing this seminar on Kashmir on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day.

I also wish to express our appreciation to the authorities of Turk Dil Kurumu including Sn. Mustafa Sinan Koçalin for providing the venue and facilitating the holding of this important event.

Today’s gathering is aimed at expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people who have kept the banner of freedom struggle alive for the last six decades. It is important that the just struggle of the Kashmiri people is supported by all justice and freedom-loving peoples across the world.

Jammu and Kashmir dispute is a moral issue, a political issue, an issue of fundamental freedoms and human rights and most importantly, it is an issue of the basic and inalienable right of a people to choose their way of life and political association.

Pakistan remains committed to extending full diplomatic, moral and political support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for self determination.

We believe that the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the UNSC Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is the only way forward.

We also believe that elections in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) cannot be a substitute for a UN monitored plebiscite as called for in the Security Council Resolutions. 

Pakistan firmly believes that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute holds the key to regional peace and stability. 

It is the core dispute between Pakistan and India and has brought the two nuclear armed countries to war on three occasions.

Resolution of the dispute is vital for the progress, prosperity and peace of South Asia.

It is therefore the collective responsibility of the entire international community.

Here I would like to express, our appreciation for Turkey’s continued support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people.

This support is a cause of great strength, both to us as well as to the Kashmiri people.

In conclusion, I would like to once again extend our warm thanks and gratitude to the organizers of this seminar, distinguished speakers and the ladies and gentlemen who have participated in today’s event.

I thank you.