ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis and Kashmiris in various parts of the world held demonstrations on Monday to mark the anniversary of India’s invasion and occupation of Kashmir on Oct 27, 1947, observed as ‘Black Day’.

The whole Pakistani nation stands united with the Kashmiri people in their struggle for right to self-determination, said federal Mi­­nister for Information Pervaiz Rashid.

Know more: London march backs Kashmiris’ struggle

“The hearts and minds of all Pakistanis are with Kashmiris,” he said at a seminar on the Kashmir issue organised by the Youth Forum for Kashmir at the International Islamic University Islamabad.

He said thousands of people attended the march in London on Sunday to express solidarity with the people of India-held Kashmir.

Demonstrations held on anniversary of Indian occupation

In New York, Kashmiris staged a demonstration in front of the United Nations building.

They were raising slogans, “We want freedom from India”, “UN: implement resolutions on Kashmir”, “Stop killings in Kashmir”, “Justice for Kashmir”, and “India: Out of Kashmir”.

In Brussels, members of the Pakistani community and Kashmiri people from both sides of the Line of Control gathered to express solidarity for the cause of Kashmir.

Khaled Ahmed Chaudhri from International Human Rights Commission said Kashmiris and Pakistanis in Europe had proved that they were united for the freedom of Kashmir. He condemned human rights violations by Indian forces in held Kashmir.

A strike was observed in Srinagar.

Meanwhile, a function was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tehran to observe the Black Day.

According to a message received in Islam­abad, Ambassa­dor Noor Muhammad Jadmani said Pakistan would continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their struggle for right to self-determination.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2014