Unwavering Turkish support for resolution of Kashmir issue reiterated

ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of Turks, representing various segments of society, attended “Kashmir Solidarity Day Seminar” and expressed strong solidarity with the oppressed people of the Indian Occupied Kashmir and reaffirmed unflinching support for their democratic right to self-determination.

The seminar was held with joint collaboration of Economic & Social Researches Centre (ESAM) and the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara on Monday evening to commemorate the Kashmir Solidarity Day, said a press release issued from the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara.

A large number of dignitaries, political workers, academics and researchers, students, media, civil society representatives, and members of the Pakistani community attended the seminar.

President of Saadet Party Temel Karamollaoglu, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey Ahmet Yildiz, President of ESAM Recai Kutan, and Chairman of Turkey-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Turkish Parliament Muhammet Balta addressed the participants.

They noted with appreciation the arduous struggle of the people of Kashmir for their fundamental rights and urged for an early resolution of this longest dispute in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions. They also re-assured to continue Turkish support to Pakistan and the people of Kashmir till the final resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Appreciating Turkey’s steadfast support, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Syrus Sajjad Qazi said the people of Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren. He updated the audience about the gross violations of human rights adding that no amount of brute force has been able to break the will of the Kashmiri people.

Later, Prof. Dr. Oya Akgönenç, a noted academic and former member of Turkish Parliament moderated a panel discussion on Kashmir. Panellists included Prof. Dr. Sencer Imer, Prof. Dr. M. Seyfettin Erol and student researcher Aydin Güven. Panellists discussed in detail about the genesis of the Kashmir dispute. They were of the view peace and stability in South Asia remained dependent on a just solution of the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

A documentary highlighting human rights violations by the Indian security forces in the Occupied Kashmir was also screened. A photographic exhibition depicting the untold miseries of the oppressed people of Jammu & Kashmir was also on display at the venue of the conference.