Baghdad, Sep 06 (APP): Defence and Martyrs Day on Friday was observed by the Embassy of Pakistan, Baghdad, Iraq with great zeal and fervor. The occasion was marked by exemplary show of solidarity with Kashmiri brothers Se sisters. It was the first Defence Day observed in Iraq since the reopening of the Mission in Baghdad in 2010.
Expatriate Pakistanis from all walks of life in Iraq participated in the event. Senator cca Ali Saif, Senator Muhammad Sajjad Turi and Senator Sana Jamali were the guests of honour on this occasion.
The event began with the flag hoisting ceremony. Mr. Sajid Bilal, Ambassador of Pakistan to Iraq, read out the Prime Minister’s message to the gathering. Paying rich tribute to them for their sacrifices in defending the country in the 1965 war with India, the Ambassador highlighted the readiness of our valiant armed forces to defeat any aggression against Pakistan.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir, the Ambassador highlighted the illegal actions taken by India to change the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir in violation of the UN Security Council Resolutions, international law, bilateral agreements and solemn commitments of the Indian leaders. He expressed grave concerns on indefensible lockdown in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJ&K) for the fifth consecutive week, complete media and communication blackout and lack of access to food, medicine and healthcare facilities. He emphasized that the world community, especially Muslims around the world must raise their voice in support of the oppressed people of loJ&K and for a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
Senator Muhammad Ali Khan Saif, in his address, also paid rich tributes to the armed forces for their valor and sacrifices. He emphasized that the entire Pakistani nation was standing with their armed forces to defeat any aggression against Pakistan. He said that India’s illegal actions in IoJ&K reflected cowardice and desperation of the oppressive Modi regime. Referring to the history of Karbala, he stressed that the oppressor is always the loser and the oppressed ultimately emerges as victorious. People of Pakistan will continue to stand in solidarity with the Kashmiri people until they get their inalienable right of self-determination.
A large number of Iraqi TV channels and local press covered the event.
Source: VNS, Islamabad
