Karachi, Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) held a commemorative event on its campus for Kashmir Black Day, which falls on October 27. The students showcased posters portraying images of Kashmiri individuals affected by the actions of Indian forces. The Directorate of Students Affairs and Counselling of SMIU orchestrated the event with the university’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, serving as the chief guest.

According to a news release by Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, in his address, highlighted the university’s stance of solidarity with the Kashmiri people, referencing the events of October 27, 1947, when India took control over the Kashmir valley. He drew parallels between the actions of Indian forces in occupied Kashmir and those of Israeli forces in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for global leaders and the United Nations (UN) to address these situations and find peaceful resolutions.

Dr. Sahrai underscored the importance of the UN’s role in ensuring that the rights of the Kashmiri people are upheld and called for the cessation of aggressive acts by Indian forces in the region. Representing the ethos of SMIU, its faculty, and students, he appealed to the UN, world leaders, and other influential entities to intervene and safeguard the people and the territory of Kashmir from further adversity.

Highlighting the broader implications of such conflicts, Dr. Sahrai pointed out that the persistent disputes in South Asia have hindered the potential development and prosperity of regional powerhouses, such as Pakistan, India, and China. He stated that conflicts and wars invariably damage the economies of the nations involved.

Students of SMIU also took the platform, condemning the actions of Indian forces and championing the cause of self-determination for the Kashmiri populace.

The event saw the participation of notable SMIU figures, including Deans Dr. Zahid Ali Channar, Dr. Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, and Dr. Jamshed Adil. Advisor to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Khan, Director ORIC Dr. Aamir Iqbal Umrani, Director Students Affairs Mr. Muhammad Naeem Ahmed, department chairpersons, faculty members, and a substantial student body were also present.