By Irfan Siddiqui
Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo with a solemn ceremony reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The event brought together members of the Pakistani community, diplomats, academics, and Japanese friends of Pakistan to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people and to renew calls for a just and peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Abdul Hameed, emphasized that the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people is firmly anchored in United Nations Security Council resolutions and international law. He described the Kashmir issue as one of the oldest unresolved disputes on the UN agenda and stressed that durable peace in South Asia remains elusive without a fair settlement of the conflict in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The ambassador highlighted the human rights situation in IIOJK, drawing attention to ongoing restrictions, demographic changes, and the humanitarian impact of prolonged military presence. He noted that the Kashmiri people continue to endure severe hardships and reiterated Pakistan’s position that the international community must play a more proactive role in addressing these concerns through dialogue and diplomacy.
During the ceremony, messages from the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister were read out. These messages reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled and consistent stance on Kashmir, underscoring the need for renewed international engagement to facilitate an equitable and lasting resolution. The leadership called upon the global community, including the United Nations and major world powers, to uphold their responsibilities toward the Kashmiri people and to support efforts aimed at safeguarding their fundamental rights.
A key feature of the event was a photographic exhibition depicting the human rights violations, alleged crimes against humanity, and the broader humanitarian consequences arising from the security situation in IIOJK. The exhibition provided a visual narrative of the challenges faced by civilians and served to sensitize attendees to the human cost of the unresolved dispute.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Abdul Hameed reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue raising the Kashmir issue at all relevant international forums. He stressed that Pakistan would persist in advocating for a peaceful process that enables the Kashmiri people to determine their future freely, without coercion, and in line with international law. He also expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Pakistani diaspora in Japan and acknowledged the presence of Japanese guests who have shown interest in peace and human rights issues.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge of solidarity and a call for sustained international attention to the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing that peace, stability, and respect for human rights in the region are essential for broader regional and global harmony.
