Pakistan in the Crosswinds of a Looming Iran Conflict

The Kashmiri and Pakistani community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia observed Kashmir Solidarity Day with traditional zeal and fervor, with the main event held at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah.
The event featured special messages from the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the Deputy Prime Minister / Minister for Foreign Affairs, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, creating an atmosphere of deep patriotism and reverence among the participants.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Mr. Syed Muhammad Fawad Sher, delivered the keynote address. Prominent members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri community in Jeddah, including Mr. Masood Puri, Eng. Arif Mughal, and Sardar Waqas Inayat, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers strongly condemned India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, emphasizing that despite turning Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) into a heavily militarized zone, India has failed to suppress the indomitable spirit of the freedom-loving Kashmiri people. They urged India to immediately halt gross, systematic, and state-sponsored human rights violations in the occupied territory.

In his remarks, the Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Syed Mustafa Rabbani, expressed sincere appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their consistent support for the Kashmir cause. He also acknowledged the proactive role of the OIC in highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people at international forums. The Consul General called upon the international community and the United Nations to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure the implementation of UN resolutions, enabling Kashmiris to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.

Speakers further highlighted the atrocities committed by Indian forces and India’s deliberate attempts to impose demographic changes in IIOJK to alter the region’s ground realities. They stressed that the global community must unite to ensure justice for the Kashmiri people in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.
A documentary depicting the humanitarian crisis in Indian-occupied Kashmir and widespread human rights abuses by Indian forces was screened during the event. Participants also urged the international community and the United Nations to take urgent measures to address the longstanding Kashmir dispute and to stop the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

The event was attended by diplomats, dignitaries, and members of various civil society organizations based in Jeddah. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting the Kashmiri people’s