BAKU, October 28, 2026: The Embassy of Pakistan in Azerbaijan observed Jammu and Kashmir Black Day on Tuesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and highlighting concerns over the human rights situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The event marked the anniversary of October 27, 1947, when Indian troops landed in Srinagar, a development Pakistan commemorates as the beginning of Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of civil society, think tanks, print and electronic media, members of the Pakistani community, Azerbaijani intellectuals and students.
Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were read during the gathering.
Addressing the participants, Pakistan Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Sara Ijaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people and its commitment to supporting their right to self-determination.
She expressed concern over alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, particularly following the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution on August 5, 2019.
Sara Ijaz referred to reports of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, restrictions on media and communications, and attempts to alter the demographic composition of the territory.
She maintained that Jammu and Kashmir remained an internationally recognised dispute and that unilateral measures could not change its disputed status or undermine the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The chargé d’affaires also appreciated Azerbaijan’s continued support for Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute.
A photographic exhibition highlighting the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir was organised as part of the observance.
Members of the Pakistani community, Azerbaijani intellectuals, students and other participants expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to raising the Kashmir issue at international forums and advocating a resolution in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.