World must help Kashmiris secure right to self-determination: Commissioner

LAHORE – Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousaf, in his message on Kashmir Black Day, has said that October 27 is observed as a black day in history as it marks the forcible occupation of Kashmir, depriving its people of their fundamental right to freedom and self-determination. He said that the Kashmiri people continued to struggle for their legitimate right to freedom despite years of hardships and oppression. Expressing confidence in their ultimate success, he said the dark night of oppression would eventually come to an end and the Kashmiri people would achieve their cherished goal of freedom. The commissioner urged the international community to play its due role in ensuring the Kashmiris their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He stressed that the world must fulfil its responsibility by raising its voice for the rights of the Kashmiri people and supporting a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He said no power could deprive the Kashmiri people of their legitimate right to self-determination, adding that the chains of subjugation would eventually be broken and the dawn of freedom would emerge in the region. Commissioner Nauman Yousaf said the Pakistani nation stood firmly with the unarmed Kashmiri people in their struggle for freedom and paid tribute to their courage, resilience and sacrifices. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people at every level in support of their right to freedom and self-determination.