Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi urged JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman to reconsider the dates of his upcoming sit-in protest, dubbed as the Azadi March.
Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman has scheduled the Azadi March for 27th October, which is commemorated as Black Day across Indian-occupied Kashmir as it marks the day when India forcefully occupied the disputed Himalayan territory.
27th October: Cursed Day for Kashmir
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman has a democratic right to protest, however, the chosen day of 27th October is not appropriate in light of the tragedy of occupied Kashmir.
Foreign Minister has now rightly demanded that Maulana Fazal ur Rehman should change the date of 27th Oct – but problem is that Maulana has to obey those who support him from abroad? https://t.co/BYoMcsKHjk
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) October 4, 2019
The Foreign Minister stated that the people of occupied Kashmir have declared 27th October as Black Day, and each year, it is commemorated as a dark day for the valley. He stated that the PTI-led government will try its best to commemorate 27th October as a black day throughout the world.
Addressing a gathering on solidarity with Kashmir, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that India has unlawfully occupied the territory of Kashmir. He said that if Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman carries out a protest on 27th October, it will serve the purpose of furthering the narrative of India.
Foreign Minister has now rightly demanded that Maulana Fazal ur Rehman should change the date of 27th Oct – but problem is that Maulana has to obey those who support him from abroad?
The Foreign Minister urged Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman to reconsider the date chosen for the protest as it will cause grave harm to the campaign of Kashmir. He observed the opposition circles have also exhibited disagreement over the chosen date of the sit-in protest.
Foreign Minister Qureshi noted that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address in the United Nations General Assembly was very well received across the valley of occupied Kashmir, and the streets of Kashmir witnessed mammoth protests in the wake of his address.
The Case of Maulana’s Foreign Supporters
Dr. Moeed Pirzada, a notable political analyst, shed light on Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman’s foreign supporters, stating that the date of 27th October has been “forced upon Maulana.”
The political analyst stated, “Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman’s decision to March on Islamabad on 27th Oct, is strange to say the least! Did ex-Chairman of Kashmir Committee didn’t realize that on 27th Oct occupied Kashmir was forcibly acceded to India? Is this date forced upon Maulana by his real supporters?”
Maulana Fazal ur Rehman's decision to March on Islamabad on 27th Oct, is strange to say the least! Did ex-Chairman of Kashmir Committee didn't realise that on 27th Oct occupied Kashmir was forcibly acceded to India? Is this date forced upon Maulana by his real supporters? 🤔
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) October 3, 2019
Dr. Pirzada added, “Maulana & those around him must remember that “APS Terrorism” happened on 16th December & masterminds were being guided from Afghanistan, similarly who has suggested him “27th Oct” for his “Million March”? His handlers sending a message? To whom?”
Maulana & those around him must remember that "APS Terrorism" happened on 16th December & masterminds were being guided from Afghanistan, similarly who has suggested him "27th Oct" for his "Million March"? His handlers sending a message? to whom? https://t.co/BYoMcsKHjk
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) October 3, 2019
The political analyst further added, “Foreign Minister has now rightly demanded that Maulana Fazal ur Rehman should change the date of 27th Oct – but problem is that Maulana has to obey those who support him from abroad?”
27th October: Black Day
Jammu Kashmir dispute dates back to the partition of the British Indian Empire, in August 1947, into two independent states, Pakistan and India.
Read more: When All Else Failed, Maulana Fazlur Rehman played Religion Card
When India and Pakistan became independent in August 1947, it was generally assumed that Kashmir, as a contiguous state with a predominantly Muslim population, would accede to Pakistan. Its ruler, the Maharaja, however, on 27 October 1947 acceded to India through an improper and illegal Instrument of Accession although he has lost the support of people who have established an independent state (Azad Jammu & Kashmir). On the same day, India airlifted its forces to Srinagar and occupied the valley.
It is for this reason that Kashmirs and freedom-loving people all around the world celebrate 27th October as Black Day.