Mumtaz Hussain Khyal
MILAN (Italy): Every year, 27 October is observed as a Black Day by Kashmiris across the world, marking the grim anniversary of the day in 1947 when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, beginning a long, painful chapter of occupation and human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The day remains a symbol of betrayal, unfulfilled promises, and the relentless resilience of the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of self-determination, as guaranteed under United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
Event at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Milan: At the Milan Consulate, the ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Deputy CG Ahmed Waleed read the messages of the deputy Prime Minister and minister of foreign affairs’ messages. However, Asmet Ullah Juneju FIA official read the message of the president of Pakistan. The Consul General, Murad Baseer in his address, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri cause.
He highlighted that 27 October serves as a reminder of both the historical injustice done to the Kashmiri people and the moral obligation of the international community to act. “The issue of Kashmir is not merely a territorial dispute,” he said. “It is a matter of fundamental human rights and the collective conscience of humanity.” He added that the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan is a lasting legacy of British colonial rule and its flawed withdrawal in 1947. The hasty Partition created arbitrary borders and left princely states, including Jammu and Kashmir, uncertain about their future. The British departure without resolving these ambiguities led to the first Indo-Pak conflict. India’s government, claiming legal accession, integrated Kashmir as its part, while Pakistan views it as unfinished business of Partition. This colonial inheritance of division and mistrust continues to shape relations between the two nations, making Kashmir a symbol of the unresolved consequences of British decolonization.
Pakistan has remained steadfast in its commitment to support the Kashmiri struggle at every international forum. Over the years, Islamabad has raised the issue at the United Nations General Assembly, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and various human rights councils.
The government of Pakistan has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions. The country also continues to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day on 5 February each year, demonstrating a deep and enduring bond between the people of Pakistan and Kashmir.
Overseas Pakistanis: Ambassadors of the Cause: A particularly significant dimension of the programme was the recognition of the overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri community in Europe. In Italy, as in many parts of the world, the diaspora has played a vital role in keeping the Kashmir issue alive in international discourse.
Speakers at the Milan Consulate emphasized that the diaspora community serves as a bridge between Pakistan and the global community, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed in IIOJK are not drowned out by propaganda or political silence.
Community leaders highlighted the need for increased engagement with European media, think tanks, and human rights organizations, to expose the ongoing injustices in Kashmir.
The event also featured a short documentary presentation showing visuals from the Kashmir valley, underscoring the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians living under constant military presence.
International Responsibility: Several attendees noted that the international community has a moral and legal obligation to intervene. The UN resolutions of 1948 and 1949 clearly call for a plebiscite, yet decades of political inaction have allowed the conflict to fester.
“Silence in the face of oppression is complicity,” said one speaker, quoting from global human rights charters. “Kashmir is not an internal issue of India-it is a question of humanity, justice, and international law.
A Message of Hope and Solidarity: The programme concluded with prayers for the martyrs of Kashmir, followed by a collective pledge to continue supporting the cause until Kashmir attains freedom. The participants reaffirmed that the spirit of 27 October will forever remain a reminder of resistance, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of justice.
In his closing remarks, the Consul General praised the Kashmiri diaspora for their activism and urged them to continue their efforts through peaceful advocacy, academic forums, and digital diplomacy. He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kashmir” until their legitimate rights are realized. Sajjid Mehmood, consular Desio received the certificate from CG Milan on his efforts to community on behalf of the ambassador of Pakistan to Italy.
The observance of 27 October in Milan, like in many cities worldwide, reflects the global dimension of the Kashmir issue. It also illustrates the unity of purpose among Pakistanis and Kashmiris abroad, who remain committed to voicing the truth about the ongoing occupation and to advocating for a just and peaceful solution.
As the event concluded, a sense of resolve and moral strength filled the consulate hall-a testament to the fact that while decades have passed since that dark day in 1947, the spirit of resistance in Kashmir remains alive, and so does Pakistan’s unwavering support for the cause of freedom and dignity.
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