On October 27, 1947, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control observed Black Day, marking their protest against India’s occupation of the region.
Pakistan’s president has urged the international community to pressure India to respect human rights. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted severe human rights abuses reportedly faced by the people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In separate statements, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Kashmiris, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to support their right to self-determination. President Zardari stated that Pakistan would stand by its Kashmiri brethren until the Kashmir issue is resolved and Kashmir is free.
The president called on global leaders to hold India accountable for human rights violations in IIOJK, to ease the hardships of Kashmiris, and to implement UN Security Council resolutions. He also condemned India’s ongoing actions in the disputed region and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to support Kashmir diplomatically and politically.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the people of IIOJK have endured hardship for 77 years. He stated that, following the revocation of the region’s special status on August 5, 2019, India has increased efforts to tighten its control over IIOJK. He argued that India’s actions aim to undermine the disputed status of the region and to deny Kashmiris the right to self-determination. The prime minister assured that Pakistan will continue providing political and moral support to the Kashmiri people.
Amir Muqam, the Federal Minister for Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs, also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to helping Kashmiris. He stated that India was committing serious human rights abuses in IIOJK and using military tactics to suppress the Kashmiri struggle. Muqam praised the resilience of the Kashmiri people, who continued their resistance despite facing harsh treatment from Indian forces.
October 27 is observed as Black Day by Kashmiris worldwide and on both sides of the Line of Control as a protest against India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian forces entered the region on this date in 1947, taking control against the wishes of the Kashmiri people and defying the partition plan.
To commemorate the day, IIOJK is observing a total shutdown. Rallies, protests, and events are planned in Pakistan and other countries. The Kashmir Liberation Commission has organized a rally in Muzaffarabad, while political and religious groups, along with Kashmiri refugee organizations and Hurriyat leaders, have also organized protests and seminars.
AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry encouraged Kashmiris worldwide to raise their voices against India’s actions.
