Foreign news
Pakistan’s Mission in Nigeria Voices Concern Over IIOJK, Renews Call for Kashmiri Self-Determination
Joel Ajayi
The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Abuja has strongly condemned India’s continued illegal occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people in their quest for self-determination.
In a statement issued on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal observed annually on August 5 — the Pakistani High Commissioner to Nigeria on Teusday in Abuja, described India’s 2019 abrogation of Article 370 as a blatant violation of international law and a direct assault on the rights and identity of the Kashmiri people.
“August 5 marks a dark chapter in Kashmir’s history,” the High Commissioner said, recalling India’s unilateral move to revoke the region’s special constitutional status and bifurcate it into two so-called Union Territories.
“These unconstitutional measures were taken to forcibly integrate a disputed territory and alter its demography, in clear contravention of United Nations Security Council resolutions and India’s own prior commitments.”
The statement emphasized that Article 370 had granted Jammu and Kashmir a special autonomous status — allowing it to make laws independently in most matters and restricting land ownership to residents. Its revocation, the High Commission noted, has led to increased repression, daily human rights violations, and a loss of identity for the region’s inhabitants.
“Since the illegal move of 2019, Kashmiris have endured relentless crackdowns, arbitrary detentions, restrictions on movement and expression, and widespread abuses at the hands of Indian security forces,” the High Commissioner added. “India’s narrative of restoring normalcy and development stands hollow in the face of these grim realities.”
Highlighting the broader context of the Kashmir dispute, the statement recalled that Jammu and Kashmir remains an unresolved issue from the partition of the subcontinent. It noted that India’s founding leadership, including Mahatma Gandhi, had pledged a plebiscite — a commitment further endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 47.
The High Commission criticized the current Indian administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for pursuing a politically motivated agenda aligned with the right-wing RSS ideology, aimed at altering the region’s demographic and political fabric.
The High Commission further noted that this year’s Youm-e-Istehsal carries added importance in light of India’s recent provocations against Pakistan. It praised the successful response of Pakistan’s armed forces in Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, describing it as a demonstration of the country’s unity and resolve in the face of aggression.
Reiterating Pakistan’s steadfast position, the High Commissioner concluded:“Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people. We remain committed to supporting their just struggle through all possible political, diplomatic, and moral means, until they achieve their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in international law and the collective conscience of humanity
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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