To mark the 73rd Independence Day of Australia, a simple and dignified flag hoisting ceremony was held at the High Commission for Pakistan, Canberra on Wednesday. High Commissioner Babar Amin hoisted the flag.
Pakistan High Commissioner while highlighting the gravity of the situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) stated that this Independence Day was being observed in solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren.
“Kashmiris and the People and Government of Pakistan have rejected the recent illegal actions to alter IOK’s status and demography as these were in violation of the international law and UN Security Council’s Resolutions”, he asserted.
He also drew attention to the massive clampdown in IOK, under curfew, denying Kashmiris access to food, essential supplies, emergency health services, means to livelihood and cutting them from the world by closing of telephone, internet and transport etc.
The High Commissioner called upon the international community to play its role in holding plebiscite in Kashmir to allow Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination.
He also drew attention towards the grave human rights violations in IOK as reported by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other International Human Rights Groups.
High Commissioner Babar Amin stated that the Independence Day reminded us of the enormous sacrifices of our forefathers to win a sovereign country so that the Muslims of South Asia may live in freedom without fear and coercion and not be discriminated on religion, culture or social ethos.
The High Commissioner also briefed the participants about Pakistan’s fast emergence in political, economic and international spheres. He mentioned that the reforms introduced by the government were strengthening Pakistan’s economy and boosted the investor’s confidence, providing a sound and reliable base for country’s growth.
The High Commissioner expressed satisfaction at the close friendly relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Australia in the bilateral and multilateral spheres.
Special prayers were offered on the occasion for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their inalienable right to self-determination.
The event was very well attended by many Pakistani and Kashmiri community members from Canberra, Sydney and adjoining areas.
