The Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago hosted a Seminar to observe the #KashmirSolidarityDay in Chicago on February 5, 2024. A large number of people including community leaders, Kashmiri activists, journalists, academia and civil society representatives attended the event.
An eminent panel of speakers took part in the event. They included Consul General Tariq Karim, Dean of East-West University Mr. Zafar Malik, Kashmiri sympathizer/activist Dr. Emile Unjom, President of Iqbal Society Dr. Teepu Siddique. Mr. Iqbal Nawaz recited a poem on Kashmir.
The panelists expressed serious concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) under unabated repression and illegal occupation. Reiterating their solidarity and unequivocal support to the oppressed people of IIOJK, they highlighted that the international community has a responsibility to act to alleviate the sufferings of the Kashmiri people and settle the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions.
In his remarks, Consul General Tariq Karim highlighted various dimensions of the J& K dispute and the aggravating human rights and humanitarian situation in IIOJK since August 5, 2019, including India’s attempts to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory. He stated that India’s illegal and unilateral actions to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of the J&K dispute have been rejected by the people of IIOJK, Pakistan and international community. The Consul General reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support to the Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle for right-to-self determination. He stated that Pakistan will continue to extend its moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir. The Consul General urged the Pakistani-American community and human right activists to play an active role in echoing the voice of innocent Kashmiris.
A documentary on Kashmir was also shown at the occasion.
Earlier, a Photographic Exhibition was held at the Consulate, in which photographs highlighting various dimensions of the J&K dispute and the aggravating humanitarian situation in IIOJK were put on display.
Chicago, IL
February 5, 2024
February 5, 2024
