Kashmir Solidarity Day observed
The Global Peace Mission and Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) in cooperation with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur, commemorated Kashmir Solidarity Day, at the Selangor Darul Ehsan Club, in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur on February 10, 2010. Attended by around a hundred participants from various professional, media, student and other groups, including friends and sympathizers of the Kashmiri people in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and suburbs, the high tea affair was a success.
Among the speakers were Dr. Imtiaz A. Kazi, Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Professor Abdullah Al Ahsan and Prof. Arif Zakaullah, both of the International Islamic University (IIUM) Malaysia.
In his speech, Dr. Kazi expressed in behalf of the organizers a warm welcome to all the participants for sharing their precious time in solidarity with the Kashmiri people who are still languishing under an iron-fisted Indian rule since the middle of the last century. The Acting High Commissioner also read Messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan on this solemn occasion assuring everyone that Pakistan is committed to uphold the irrefutable and inalienable rights of the Kashmiri people to national self-determination.
Prof. Abdullah Al Ahsan said the Kashmir issue, along with Palestine, is one of the oldest unresolved political issues in the contemporary world. “If we go by the resolutions and pledges of Indian leaders, including the United Nations, the Kashmir issue should have been already resolved half-a-century ago. But India never honoured its pledges and never allowed a plebiscite to be held in Kashmir although it was the one that brought the issue to the United Nations in 1948,” said Prof. Al Ahsan, emphasizing that “Kashmir Solidarity Day is not meant for Pakistanis and Kashmiris alone, but for the whole world. We must support it with what we know and are capable of.”
Dr. Arif Zakaullah reminded the participants that Kashmir is not an issue solely for Pakistan. It is an issue for all humanity, he said, adding that some people look at it as only an offshoot of the Indo-Pakistan rivalry. Dr Arif also clarified that history is not on India’s side and that it is inappropriate to label India as the largest democracy, if what one meant is a civilized democracy such as the USA, Canada, UK and the like, that uphold the principle of human values and dignity. But if what is referred to is an uncivilized democracy, then India qualifies, for when the policy of apartheid is practiced in a nation and winners of a popular elections are predetermined, as in Occupied Kashmir and many other parts of India, that is not a civilized democracy, he said.
The participants were also treated to a 20-minute video Documentary on Kashmir where scenes of repression and man’s inhumanity to man are depicted in the actions of the Indian security forces against helpless Kashmiri civilians whose only crimes were that they are claiming for their inalienable rights of self-determination and independence for their own territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The occasion was opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Mahmoud Smayeh of Global Peace Mission; and a speech by the President of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM), read by the Secretary General, Raimi Abd. Rahim. Br. Alamgeer Aurangzaid, PhD student, at the University of Malaya provided the dual function of a master of ceremony as well as moderator for the two distinguished speakers.
Mohd Asri Abdul, CEO of GPM gave the closing remarks, reiterating the sincere gratitude of the organizers and thanking the services of everyone involved in making the occasion a success.
The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan handed over gifts to the two guest speakers.
/zba
