FATA University held a seminar on October 27 to mark Kashmir Black Day, highlighting the struggle of the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir for their right to self-determination and expressing solidarity with them.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Directorate of Student Affairs and the Department of Political Science. Former chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Abdul Rauf, attended as the guest speaker.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Dr. Abdul Rauf described October 27, 1947, as a tragic day in Kashmir’s history, when Indian troops entered Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Kashmiri people had continued their struggle for fundamental rights, freedom and self-determination for decades.
He said the Kashmir dispute was not merely a territorial issue but also a question of human rights, justice and the right to self-determination recognized under United Nations principles. He stressed that a just resolution of the dispute was essential for lasting peace and stability in South Asia and urged the international community to play an effective role in addressing the issue.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Rauf said Pakistan would continue its political, moral and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. He also urged students and educational institutions to study the historical, political and humanitarian dimensions of the dispute and help raise awareness about it.
Faculty members, students and heads of various departments attended the seminar and reaffirmed their support for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
The seminar concluded with special prayers for the departed souls of Kashmiri martyrs and for Pakistan’s security, progress and stability.