The Pakistan Embassy in Washington hosted a group of students participating in the Annual North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN) conference organised by the Georgetown International Relations Association (GIRA), a non-profit organisation.

The NAIMUN conference is one of the oldest UN simulations in the world. The conference is designed to inspire, educate, and empower the youth leaders in government, business, and international affairs. Every year three thousand high school students from around the US and world convene for four days to explore various problems of the world.

The participants were given short presentations on a wide range of topics including about Pakistan, the recent developments in the country comprising the successful security operations and the peace and security situation in the region with a particular focus on the humanitarian crisis in Kashmir.

Chargé d Affaires Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani briefed the students on the inhuman and unprecedented lockdown imposed in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) for the past 6 months. Over 8 million Kashmiris are living under siege in IOK with no access to basic amenities. The international community including the US should come forward and support the legitimate and peaceful political struggle of Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination and condemn human rights violations in IOK, he said.

While giving a broad overview about Pakistan, he said that Pakistan has a rich and exceptional heritage, being home to some of the oldest civilizations including Indus, Gandhara and Mehrgarh. Pakistan is also host to some of the highest peaks, breathtaking landscapes and a number of very revered and sacred religious sites, he added.

On the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the US, he underlined that both countries share more than 70 years long history and this relationship has benefitted both countries and the regional peace.

A special documentary on Pakistan was also screened on the occasion. The event was organized as part of embassy’s two-week long activities to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day.