MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI ON JAMMU AND KASHMIR BLACK DAY — 27 OCTOBER 2026 On Jammu and Kashmir Black Day, we solemnly remember 27 October 1947, when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged and tragic chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. This day reaffirms our recognition of the longstanding aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the continued pursuit of the fundamental and inalienable right to self-determination. For the past eight decades, the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have endured profound sufferings, marked by violence, repression and serious violations of fundamental rights. Generations of Kashmiris have made immense sacrifices in their pursuit of justice, dignity and freedom. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity remain a testament to the enduring strength of their cause. Since 27 October 1947, the people of IIOJK have endured decades of conflict, restrictions and denial of their fundamental rights. The continuing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, heightened militarisation, arrests and reports of human rights violations remain a matter of serious concern and underscore the need for sustained international attention. The situation has further deteriorated since August 5, 2019, when India unilaterally attempted to alter the constitutional and legal status of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Black Day is, therefore, not merely a day of remembrance. It is also an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Lasting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia remain closely linked to the resolution of this longstanding dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. On this solemn occasion, I call upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organisations, to take due cognisance of the human rights situation in IIOJK, support efforts for the protection of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and contribute meaningfully towards a just, peaceful and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support to the people of IIOJK. We will continue to raise their voice at every appropriate international forum and to advocate the realisation of their legitimate aspirations. Today, we pay tribute to the countless sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and reaffirm our solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Pakistan stands with them in the pursuit of justice, peace, dignity and the realisation of the legitimate right to self-determination. The day is not far off when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be able to determine their own future in accordance with their aspirations and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will move towards a just and peaceful resolution.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's Message on Jammu & Kashmir Black Day, 27 October 2026. Seventy-nine years ago, Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a tragic chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, one that continues to cast its long shadow over the region to this day. Since then, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been denied the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination, as affirmed in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have endured immense hardship, suffering and repression. Yet their courage, resilience and unwavering resolve to secure their fundamental rights remain undiminished. The sacrifices of successive generations stand as a powerful testament to their enduring commitment to freedom, dignity and justice. India has continued its efforts to suppress legitimate political expression and silence the voices that represent the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The prolonged incarceration of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and human rights defenders remains deeply concerning. It underscores the need for due process, respect for basic liberties, and greater international attention to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Since 5 August 2019, India has taken a series of unilateral measures in IIOJK, accompanied by sweeping restrictions on fundamental freedoms. These measures, affecting the political, legal and demographic character of the territory, have drawn serious international attention. Pakistan has consistently called for these developments to be addressed in accordance with international law and the applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions. Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir remains clear, consistent and principled. Lasting peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. On this solemn occasion, I pay tribute to the countless Kashmiri men, women and children who have offered immense sacrifices in pursuit of their rights. Their memory will always be honoured. The aspirations of the Kashmiri people cannot be extinguished through coercion or repression. On this Jammu & Kashmir Black Day, the Government and people of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with the people of IIOJK. Pakistan will continue to extend its moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people, and to advocate for their legitimate rights at every national and international forum. May the people of Jammu and Kashmir realize a future of lasting peace, dignity and security, and the fulfilment of their aspirations, including the right to self-determination.

Message of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 on Jammu and Kashmir Black Day – 27 October 2026