ISLAMABAD: The world should respect the right of self-determination granted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to the people of Kashmir and ensure implementation of promises made with the Kashmiris.

This was stated by speakers at a webinar on the eve of Right of Self-determination Day hosted in the Canadian city of Toronto. They said it is high time that the right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir is respected and granted to them as per the UN resolutions. They noted that only with mutual respect, peace could be achieved in Kashmir.

The event was hosted by Consul General of Pakistan Toronto Abdul Hameed who apprised the participants of the background to the Right to Self-Determination Day, the resolution of 5th January 1949 adopted by the UN Commission on India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to settle the future of Kashmir through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations.

The speakers said Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, however, in violation of the UN resolutions and the Geneva Convention, the Indian government has introduced draconian laws to silence the Kashmiris and deprive them of their rights and land.

They called that the situation in Kashmir most unfortunate and the people of Kashmir have been forced to suffer under the yoke of 900,000 Indian troops despite the UN resolution granting them the right to self-determination. The Speakers include Canadian human rights activist and director of Canadian think-tank Just Peace Advocates Karen Rodman, Canadian author and journalist Robert Fantina, and others.