Syed Mussarat Khalil Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Consul General of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Aftab Ahmad Khokher, organized a commemoration ceremony on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day at his resident on Wednesday. Large number of Pakistanis, elite Saudis, representative of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and media persons attended the event. Ambassador Mehdi Fatahullah, director general of political affairs at OIC, was the chief guest at the event. Ambassador Abdullah Abdur-Rahman was unable to attend the event because of a mission he is currently undertaking in Cairo, Egypt. He said: "It is indeed a fitting opportunity to join you in expressing once again the OIC's full and unwavering solidarity with the people of Kashmir." OIC has consistently shown its firm support to Kashmiris in their legitimate struggle for their fundamental human rights, including their inalienable right to self-determination. He said the present occasion is also an occasion to keep alive the memory and efforts of those Kashmiris who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of their homeland. He thanked the efforts of Kashmiris and said today their voices in the Islamic world are increasing and the international community is supporting the Kashmiri cause. He said it is certainly worthwhile to recall that the OIC has always called for a peaceful resolution of this long-standing conflict through a negotiated process and in a sincere manner between Pakistan and India. The OIC has constantly encouraged both sides to avail themselves of all possible means, including substantial bilateral talks, in order to work out a just and durable solution in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He said Abdur Rahman, on several occasions, has urged the OIC member states and the International community to pay closer attention to the plight of the Kashmiri people by extending all forms of material and political assistance to them, which in my view remains insufficient and should be enhanced to better cater to the needs of the Kashmiri people. He said in the same vein, the OIC Offices in New York and Geneva will continue to look into different ways and channels through international mechanisms in order to ensure that the voice of the Kashmiri people is more forceful heard. He said the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir is also a key platform in taking concrete steps for the benefit of the Kashmiri people. He said: "We indeed encourage our member states to further help the people of Kashmir and demonstrate a genuine sense of solidarity with them." The Consul General of Pakistan, Aftab Ahmad Khokher, welcomed the guests and members of the Kashmir committee. He read out the messages of President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Mian Mohammed Nawaz Sharif. Masood Ahmad Puri, president of Kashmir Committee Jeddah, also read the resolution adopted by the Kashmir committee Jeddah. Former diplomat and renewed scholar, Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi, said: "The observance of Kashmir solidarity day is not only for Pakistani people, it is for all people Muslim countries and Muslim Ummah." Former Assistant Secretary General of WAMY, Dr. Abdul Wahab Noor wali, also shared his views with the audience. "We hope when we meet again next year we would have achieved some good for our Kashmiri people." Earlier, a documentary film screened at the venue showed violations of human rights, unbridled murder, torture and oppression in Kashmir.
