ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called on the United Nations to play a more proactive role in addressing the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and advancing a peaceful resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute, as Pakistan observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir.
In a message issued on the occasion, the president said a just and lasting peace in South Asia was closely linked to the peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Message by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir
Today, we observe Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir to reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). We pay tribute to their courage,…
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 4, 2026
“I urge the international community, particularly the United Nations, to play its role in addressing the grave human rights situation in IIOJK and in advancing a just and peaceful settlement of this longstanding dispute,” he said.
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reiterating the country’s continued political, diplomatic and moral support for their right to self-determination.
The President paid tribute to the courage, resilience and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people and said Pakistan would continue to support their “just struggle” in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
Reiterates Pakistan’s Position
President Zardari said seven years had passed since India’s actions of August 5, 2019, which, he said, sought to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir in violation of international law and relevant UNSC resolutions.
He said those measures could neither change the legal status of the dispute nor weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people.
The president said millions of Kashmiris had continued to live under severe restrictions affecting every aspect of daily life, while families had faced prolonged uncertainty and communities had borne the impact of continued conflict.
Despite these challenges, he said, the people of Jammu and Kashmir had remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice and their right to determine their own future.
Calls for International Action
President Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to raise the Jammu and Kashmir issue at regional and international forums until it is resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UNSC resolutions.
He said a just and lasting peace in South Asia was closely linked to the peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to play its role in addressing the human rights situation in IIOJK and advancing a just and peaceful resolution.
Addressing the people of Jammu and Kashmir directly, the president said Pakistan stood firmly with them and would continue supporting their right to self-determination.
“To my Kashmiri brothers and sisters, I say: Pakistan stands firmly with you. Your courage in the face of adversity inspires us. You are not alone,” he said.
He concluded his message by praying that Allah Almighty grant the people of Jammu and Kashmir strength, patience and steadfastness, and bless them with justice and lasting peace.
“The people of Pakistan will continue to stand by you until your legitimate right to self-determination is realised,” he added.
