The Kashmiri and Pakistani community in Jeddah with the cooperation of the Pakistan Consulate observed the Kashmir Solidarity Day at the residence of Pakistan Consul General Aftab Ahmad Khokher on Thursday.

Members of the Kashmir Committee, Saudi elite, the representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and media persons attended the event.

Ambassador Izzat Kamel Mufti, the former special representative of the OIC secretary general on Jammu and Kashmir was the chief guest, Namig Huseynov, representative of the Department of Political Affairs from the OIC and Ambassador Abdul Moiz Bokhari, adviser to the secretary general of OIC were the guests of honor.

Ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan, the assistant secretary general in the OIC for Science and Technology Affairs also graced the occasion.

Welcoming the guests, Masood Ahmed Puri, president of the Kashmir Committee in Jeddah, expressed concern on the human rights situation in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir and pledged complete unity with the Kashmiri people in their struggle and right of self determination.

Special envoy of Kashmir from the OIC, Namig Huseynov, said the OIC fully supports the struggle of the Kashmiri people for their legitimate right of self-determination.

Alim has made several visits to Azad Kashmir and believes that peaceful negotiations are the only way to settle the Kashmir dispute.

He said the OIC supports bilateral talks and extends its support to the Kashmiri struggle for their right.

“I believe that the OIC is a key platform for the support of Jammu and Kashmir and today’s occasion reminds us of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Kashmir and whose efforts have helped to spread the word worldwide,” he said.

Mufti said he had succeeded in starting a shuttle service in the Kashmir region between the two countries following a series of meetings with India.

“I have just come to know that the service has been stopped which is inhumane,” Mufti said.

Khokher reiterated the unwavering commitment of the government of Pakistan and its people to the just cause of the Kashmiri people in their struggle for the right of self-determination. He said the Kashmir solidarity day is an important part of Pakistan’s strong morale, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people.

“We urge the international community to raise their voice for the protection of the rights of the Kashmiri people and remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution and in line with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He also expressed concern at the recent violation of the cease-fire along the LoC (Line of Control).

“We hope the cease-fire agreement of 2003 will be observed and respected with full commitment,” he said.