ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP):The embassy of Pakistan Brussels organized a seminar on the eve of Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of exploitation) Kashmir to express its firm support to the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The seminar which was held in hybrid format was aimed at highlighting the human rights violations by the Indian government in the IIOJK especially in the wake of August 5, 2019 actions to modify the status contrary to the international commitments.

Former Member of the European Parliament Phil Bennion, Chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations Altaf Hussain Wani, Former President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry Dr. Mubeen Shah and Chairman EU Kashmir Council Ali Raza Syed expressed their views focusing on the gross violations by the Indian forces of the right to liberty, health, education, expression, assembly and freedom of religion.

While highlighting the grave human rights situation in the IIOJK, the panellists called upon India to cease atrocities against innocent Kashmiris who were suffering under its illegal occupation for over past seven decades. They termed Indian actions since 05 August 2019, illegal and in violation of the international law, and demanded their unconditional revocation.

In her remarks, the Ambassador of Pakistan to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, Amna Baloch apprised the audience about the unabated atrocities being committed by the Indian security forces, especially after illegally revoking the special status of the IIOJ&K on 5th August 2019. She underscored that over 900,000 Indian occupation forces turned IIOJK into the world’s largest open prison and the most militarized zone in the world, which necessitates intervention from the international community especially UN and the European Union.
 
The ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s just cause of self-determination according to the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.

The event was attended by representatives of media, scholars, Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora.

RAWALPINDI, Aug 4 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday here said Pakistan was rich with natural resources, fertile land and minerals and needed peace, stability, unity and brotherhood to achieve economic progress and prosperity.

Speaking at Idara e Taleemat e Islamia here, he said, “We saved Pakistan from default and now with solidarity and strength we have take Pakistan forward and achieve economic security for people, especially for those who are financially vulnerable.”

Pakistan had immense mineral resources in its provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, Gilgit Baltistan and other places and needed to extract them for the welfare and well-being of its people, he noted.

He said at present Pakistan was facing economic challenges and in the 15 months his government tried its best to take the country out of difficulties.

The oil prices in the world had skyrocketed and the government was forced to raise prices, he said adding if Pakistan had the oil and gas resources, people would have been given fuel on cheaper prices.

The prime minister said the dream of a prosperous Pakistan could materialize with investment in the sectors of agriculture, information technology and mineral development.

“We have to get rid of loans by working hard and by utilizing our resources and talented youth to achieve prosperity and eliminate poverty.”

He lauded the decades-long services of Pir Syed Riaz Hussain Shah for promotion of Islamic teachings and for guidance of people.

Pir Riaz Hussain Shah was a truthful and sincere follower of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he said adding Ulema should be respected and honoured and their guidance should be sought for success in this world and the hereafter.

He said Nawaz Sharif got the opportunity to serve as prime minister of Pakistan thrice and he served as prime minister now due to their affiliation with religious scholars like Pir Riaz Hussain Shah.

Pir Riaz Hussain also spoke on the occasion and commended the prime minister for his valuable contributions for progress and prosperity of Pakistan.