Punjab Minister Zeeshan Rafique Reiterates Support for Kashmiris on Black Day
By Dr. Ansab AliLAHORE Punjab’s Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique has reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, marking October 27 as “Black Day”, the anniversary of what he described as the “illegal occupation” of Kashmir by Indian forces in 1947. In his statement, Rafique said the deployment of Indian troops…
By Dr. Ansab Ali
LAHORE Punjab’s Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique has reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, marking October 27 as “Black Day”, the anniversary of what he described as the “illegal occupation” of Kashmir by Indian forces in 1947.
In his statement, Rafique said the deployment of Indian troops in Srinagar on October 27, 1947, remains “unacceptable for both Pakistanis and Kashmiris,” even after 78 years. He added that Kashmiris were denied their right to self-determination at the time of partition, a move he attributed to “the collusion between the British and Indian leadership.”
The minister noted that Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, continues to advocate for the Kashmir cause “effectively and courageously” at international forums. He praised the resilience of the Kashmiri people, who he said “continue their struggle against Indian occupation despite immense hardships.”
Rafique claimed that the arrest of top leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in Indian-administered Kashmir reflects “New Delhi’s fear of the growing freedom movement.” He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to extend moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until they achieve their right to self-determination.
The minister also said that Black Day is being observed across Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with events, seminars, and rallies expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
Referring to recent tensions, Rafique warned that India should “avoid any military misadventure” following the ‘Marka-e-Haq’ operation in May 2025, cautioning that “any repeat of Operation Sindoor would lead to further humiliation on the international stage.”
He concluded by asserting that the sacrifices made for Kashmir’s freedom “will not go in vain,” expressing hope that the Kashmiri people would one day be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
