Muslim bloc’s role to solve Kashmir dispute sought

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Kashmir is an issue of human rights and justice and the Muslim bloc should play its role to solve the longstanding dispute, speakers said at an event in the Turkish capital Ankara on Monday.

The event, hosted by the Pakistan Embassy to commemorate Kashmir “Black Day,” a day to express solidarity with Kashmiris, saw participation of Turkish lawmakers, civil society members, professionals, representatives from think tanks as well as media, a statement by the diplomatic mission said.

Pakistan ambassador Yousaf Junaid said Kashmir “black day was the most tragic day in the history of South Asia.”

He said developments in the Middle East are a stark reminder that long-standing disputes “should not be allowed to fester.”

“Violating international law and pushing disputes under the rug does not guarantee lasting peace,” the envoy said, adding: “The world can no longer ignore its responsibility."

Junaid highlighted the deep-rooted Pakistan-Türkiye relationship, and thanked the people and government of Türkiye for its principled stance on Kashmir, especially President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for highlighting the cause.

Expressing concerns over alleged human rights violations in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, Saadet Party lawmaker Mahmut Arikan said the international community, especially the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, needs to play its role in implementation of UN resolutions to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Reiterating Türkiye’s support to Kashmiri self-determination, lawmaker Burhan Kayaturk said: “Establishment of justice in Jammu and Kashmir is vital for restoration of international peace and trust in United Nations, which could only be achieved through the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, which call for a free and fair plebiscite.”

- Disputed region

On Oct. 27, 1947, Indian troops positioned themselves in Kashmir's largest city, Srinagar, after India and Pakistan gained their independence from British colonial rule.

The anniversary of this Indian action is observed by Pakistanis and Kashmiris as Black Day, while India commemorates it as Accession Day.

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver is also held by China.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars – in 1948, 1965, and 1971 – two of them over Kashmir.

Also, in the Siachen glacier in northern Kashmir, Indian and Pakistani troops have fought intermittently since 1984. A cease-fire took effect in 2003.