By Syed Mussarat Khalil

Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Pakistani consulate here organized Kashmir Black Day here on Sunday to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian-occupied Kashmir.

A large number of people from the Pakistani community attended the event. Ilyas Mahboob Nizami read out President Dr. Arif Alvi’s message and Arshad Munir Consul (Press), read out the message of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Consul General Khalid Majid said that Kashmiris have been facing worst kind of exploitation by India since Oct. 27, 1947 and the purpose of holding the Kashmir Black day was to express solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers adding that this year’s Aug. 5 action of India has further deteriorated the plight of the Kashmiris. “They (the Kashmiris) are being deprived of their right to self-determination. They are also being imprisoned in their homes without providing them with the basic necessities of life for about three months.

“Pakistan will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris to materialize their ultimate objective of self-determination,” he said.

Ambassador Ahmed Sareer, advisor to OIC secretary general on Asian Affairs, represented the chief of the pan-Muslim organization. In his address, he said: “We condemn all acts of aggression against the innocent Kashmiris and reiterated that the OIC continues to support the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

Chairman Kashmir Committee Jeddah Masood Ahmed Poori said the struggle and protest against Indian aggression has continued for the last seven decades and our determination has not reduced despite Indian government efforts. He assured that the Kashmir Committee Jeddah would raise Kashmir issue on every platform and added that “we equally share the sorrows of every Kashmiris.”

Khursheed Ahmed, a representative of Overseas Kashmiri Society, said that despite all the atrocities, the Kashmiris’ courage has not waned. “Kashmiris have decided that their struggle will continue till they get their right of self-determination as promised in UN resolutions. Our struggle will continue as it is a matter of faith and our existence,” he added.

The event began with recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur'an by Qari Mohammed Asif. Students from Pakistan International School Jeddah and Taif, Burhan Amjad, Bilal Shoib and Adeel Yaseen respectively addressed the gathering representing the young generation. At the end Qari Abdul Haseeb made supplications for the oppressed people of Kashmir.

Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto was the master of ceremony.