World asked to prevent HR abuses in Kashmir

LAHORE : Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) observed Kashmir Exploitation Day on Sunday, shedding light on the continuous human rights violations and exploitation faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry issued a joint statement, calling for immediate international intervention to end the injustices faced by Kashmiris.

President Mian Abuzar Shad emphasised that the atrocities in Kashmir are a blatant violation of human rights and urged the global community to address the grave injustices. ‘It is our responsibility to stand with the people of Kashmir who have been deprived of their basic rights and freedom. The continued silence of the world on this issue is unacceptable,’ he stated.

Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman highlighted the economic exploitation in the region, where resources are extracted without benefiting local residents. He stressed, ‘Kashmir's natural resources are exploited, and its people remain marginalised. This day is a reminder that justice and humanity must be prioritised.’

Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry reiterated LCCI’s commitment to advocating for peace and stability in Kashmir, urging the business community to raise awareness regarding the plight of Kashmiris. ‘We must not forget the struggle of the Kashmiri people. They deserve a peaceful future, free of oppression,’ he noted.

The LCCI leadership collectively called upon the United Nations and international bodies to take decisive actions to protect the rights of Kashmiris, emphasising that peace in the region is crucial for South Asian stability.

APP ADDS: The district administration of Lahore held a rally to observe Kashmir Black Day, starting from Alhamra and concluding at the Governor’s House, here on Sunday.

A large number of citizens participated, including the Secretary Information and the Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters.

Participants carried placards and chanted slogans supporting Kashmir freedom, expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

This day commemorates the entry of Indian forces into Kashmir on October 27, 1947, a pivotal moment that has led to significant suffering for Kashmiris.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza stated that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan, asserting that it is difficult to live without it. The purpose of today’s rally was to express solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers, reaffirming that Pakistanis have not forgotten their struggle and will continue to advocate for their rights.

The Lahore Arts Council Alhamra commemorated Kashmir Black Day with impactful events that highlighted the resilience of the Kashmiri people. The exhibitions featured powerful artwork from various artists, capturing the spirit and struggles of Kashmir.

A solidarity walk saw participants passionately voicing their support, raising slogans for the right to freedom and self-determination. They affirmed that the sacrifices of Kashmiris would not be forgotten. Secretary for Information and Culture Punjab Tahir Raza Hamdani addressed the audience, affirming that the struggle of the Kashmiri people would bear fruit.

Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed and Executive Director Alhamra Sarah Rashid shared their sentiments, emphasising Alhamra’s commitment to highlighting Kashmiri culture and values. They reiterated their dedication to raising Kashmiris’ voices on global platforms.

The event saw a significant turnout, with many attendees carrying Kashmir flags. Participants voiced a deep emotional connection, stating that the hearts of Pakistanis beat in unison with Kashmiris.

They pledged to stand by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters until they see the dawn of freedom.

PU webinar

The Punjab University (PU) Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS) organised an international webinar to mark the Black Day regarding India’s Illegal occupation of Kashmir in 1947. CSAS Director Prof Dr Naheed S Goraya, AJK Member Legislative Assembly Ms Nabeela Ayub Khan, University of Bolton, UK’’s Director CIF Dr Imran Khan, India Study Centre Director Dr Khurram Abbas, Coventry University, UK’s Associate Professor Dr Serena Hussain, General Secretary PLF Lahore Mansoor Kataria and others highlighted Indian atrocities in Kashmir and called upon the United Nations to take serious practical steps for resolving Kashmir issue as per its resolutions.

In their address, Dr Serena spoke on ‘Abrogation of 370 & 35A: five years on’.

Dr Khurram discussed ‘Conflict resolution approaches for Jammu and Kashmir dispute: policy options for Pakistan’.

Dr Imran shed light on cultivating strategic narratives and dialogical framing on Kashmir while Kataria highlighted the role of youth in recent movement in Kashmir.

A question answer session was also held at the webinar.

Meanwhile, Punjab Women Protection Authority Chairperson Hina Pervaiz Butt said that Kashmiris worldwide were observing October 27 as Black Day in protest against India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

She said that the people of Pakistan stand with the Kashmiris in their struggle and raise their voices for their right to self-determination.

Hina Butt said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had never accepted any form of oppressive rule, whether it was under Dogra rule or Indian occupation. She expressed Pakistan’s commitment to continue providing diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiris and urged the international community to grant them their right to self-determination, as per UN resolutions.

She expressed hope, saying, ‘The dawn of freedom will surely rise for Kashmir, and their sacrifices will not go in vain.’