“Remembering Srebrenica 1995 – 2019) Seminar by CGSS & Embassy of Bosnia Islamabad

Islamabad;Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in collaboration with Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized Commemoration Seminar “Remembering Srebrenica 1995 – 2019) on 8th July 2019 at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.

The event commenced with Fatiha/Prayer for the Bosnian Muslims who were killed in 1995, followed by the address of His Excellency Sakib Foric – Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Pakistan.

He thanked the participants while acknowledging the efforts of CGSS in organizing the Seminar. He urged the people in eradicating the massacre. As Bosnia is a part of European Union, he motivated the global community to eradicate this massacre. He also illustrated about the Srebrenica flower which is a symbol of peace.

Mr. Shafqat Mahmood – Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training stated that the pain of Srebrenica atrocity is still in our hearts and such atrocities have always been painful. He elaborated that United Nations and such other organizations have remained unsuccessful in the resolution of this human rights issue. He wished more could have done to save the people. In previous years, Pakistani troops were sent to Bosnia to protect and facilitate the people. It is an issue likewise in Kashmir where the international community is quiet. He said we stand side by side our Bosnian brothers.

Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, HI(M), (Retd) – Former Ambassador of Pakistan to Bosnia and Herzegovina and President CGSS stated that the violence started under the ottoman Empire when hate generated among the masses. The military commander Radovan orchestrated the genocide and the crime against humanity. Approximately 11400 people were killed and 8800 young men and women were butchered. Around 329 shells were landed every day in the city. There were no food, water and electricity at the time of genocide. The people made 840m long tunnel for their survival. The Bosnian people struggle hard to reshape the country and come through severe hardships to push the country towards prosperity.

Mr. Amir Ghauri – Editor, The News International stated that he visited Bosnia and witnessed the atrocities. He presented poetry “Remembering of Srebrenica” in the commemoration of Bosnian Muslims.

Major General Qasim Qureshi (Retd), Commanding Officer Pakistan Army contingent UNPROFOR Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina enlightened the participants about Pakistan’s Army UN Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia Herzegovina. He stated that Pakistan’s policy was of supporting UN Peacekeeping Missions with key interest to support the beleaguered Bosnian Muslims. Pakistan’s contingent comprised of 3000 personnel. While maintaining strict neutrality, Pak Army monitored the activities of both warring factions along the confrontation line and facilitated UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and other affiliated relief agencies in providing humanitarian assistance to the affected population.

Dr. Susic Sejo, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, International Islamic University, Islamabad stated that Bosnian Serb forces seize Srebrenica on July 11, 1995. In a period of one week, Bosnian Serb forces executed more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslims. Long before July 1995, there were numerous indications that Bosnian Serb forces were planning a summer offensive against the “safe area.” Access for U.N. convoys was increasingly restricted by Bosnian Serb forces. The largest group of Bosnians from the column was captured on July 13, 1995.

Senator Rehman Malik – Former Federal Interior Minister and Chairman of Standing Committee of Interior stated that Bosnian genocide is a sad affair. Pakistan raised voice against the Bosnian genocide that it is burning. It is the hunt of international community and the whole world. Muslim community has derived to live wherever they want to in the contemporary scenario. Bosnia and Kashmir both are facing the brutalities. The doctrine of Modi is reflecting the actions of atrocities in Kashmir as well. For the sake of humanity, we all need to raise our voice against such humanitarian crimes.

The event was attended by approximately 150 people including prominent members from the Diplomatic Corps.