Kashmir Solidarity Day observed in Chicago

Consulate General of Pakistan and several members various organizations hold a huge seminar for an observed Kashmir Solidarity Day in Chicago on Thursday, October 27, 2022. which was attended by a large number of participants. During the event, messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were also read out, besides screening a special documentary on IIOJK.

Speakers at the seminar included Consul General Tariq Karim, prominent US Human Rights activist Andy Thayer, President Sound Vision/Justice for All and Executive Producer of Muslim Network TV Abdul Malik Mujahid, President Kashmir Solidarity Council Javed Rathore, Chancellor East-West University Dr. Wasiullah Khan and Several others. The seminar included a panel discussion during which the speakers/panelists discussed various dimensions of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute and expressed serious concern over worsening humanitarian situation in IIOJK under unabated repression and illegal occupation. The panelists also urged the international community and the US to play an active role in the settlement of the dispute.

In his address, Consul General Tariq Karim highlighted October 27 as the darkest day in the history of South Asia when 75 years ago Indian forces landed in Srinagar to illegally occupy Jammu and Kashmir and subjugate its people. He highlighted the aggravating human rights and humanitarian situation and draconian measures taken by India in IIOJK since August 5, 2019, including military siege and communication blockade, staged cordon-and-search operations, extra judicial killings, detentions, collective punishment, and indiscriminate use of pellet guns as well as steps to change the demographic structure and identity of the occupied territory. He stated that India’s illegal and unilateral actions to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute have been rejected by the people of IIOJK, Pakistan and international community. The Consul General reiterated the strong resolve of the government and people of Pakistan to continue extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir. He highlighted that the international community has a responsibility to act to alleviate the sufferings of the people of Kashmir and settle the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions and the wishes of the people of Kashmir.

Earlier, a 2-day Photographic Exhibition was held at the Consulate, in which photographs depicting the history of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute and the aggravating human rights and humanitarian situation in IIOJK were put on display.