Event at Pakistan Embassy Ankara marks “Black Day”

ANKARA, 27 October 2016:  In order to observe “Black Day,” and reaffirm solidarity with the oppressed people of the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOK), a large number of Pakistan community members, students and Turkish guests attended an event at Pakistan Embassy Ankara on Wednesday evening. 
The programme began with the observance of one-minute silence for all the martyrs of Kashmir, Police Training School Quetta and victims of terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Turkey.
Speakers at the event highlighted growing human rights violations in IOK in the aftermath of the extra judicial killing of young Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani. They strongly condemned the recent spate of violence and oppression unleashed by the security forces. All the participants wore ‘black armbands.’
Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, Member of Parliament from Van and Chairman of Turkey-Pakistan Cultural Association, said the world was watching brutalities in Occupied Kashmir but was largely silent about it. He said Turkey would continue to support the oppressed people of Kashmir and would always stand by Pakistan. He reaffirmed Turkey’s support for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions through a free and impartial plebiscite.
In his remarks on the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Sohail Mahmood informed that since the martyrdom of Burhan Wani on 8 July 2016, over 150 Kashmiris had lost their lives while more than 15,000 were injured. Due to the use of pellets by Indian security forces, the eyesight of over 700 youth had been severely affected, and 150 had become permanently blinded.  He added that in the wake of excessive use of force by the occupying forces, some voices had been raised, including by the UN Secretary General and the OIC. He hoped that the international community would pay urgent attention to the tragedy unfolding in Occupied Kashmir and efforts would be made to provide relief and justice to the Kashmiri people. The Ambassador also expressed sincere gratitude for the unflinching support of the leadership, Government and people of Turkey for the Kashmir cause.
A documentary was shown that highlighted Indian atrocities, particularly against children, women and elderly.  Students of Pakistan Embassy School presented Kashmiri song “Ansoon ki zuban koi sunta nahi.” The event concluded with prayer (dua) for martyrs and early recovery for the injured Kashmiris, which was followed by the lighting of candles by all the participants.