ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry emphasized that a strong, stable, and prosperous Pakistan serves as a vital guarantor of the success of the Kashmiri freedom movement.
He made these remarks during a grand ceremony held at Kashmir House in a federal metropolis to commemorate Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day.
The event witnessed the presence of diplomats from various countries, including Japan, Turkey, Cyprus, Austria, and others. The ceremony commenced with the unfurling of the national flag of Pakistan by AJK President Barrister Sultan Muhammad Chaudhry, followed by a salute by a smartly turned-out contingent of the AJK police. Both the national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir resonated through the air, reflecting the unity of purpose.
In his address, Barrister Chaudhry renewed the pledge to uphold the vision of Pakistan’s creation under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He stressed that a strong and stable Pakistan is crucial for ensuring the freedom of Kashmir.
AJK President Calls for Unity
Barrister Chaudhry called for unity among political forces and various schools of thought to strengthen Pakistan, paralleling the dedicated efforts of the country’s armed forces in safeguarding its ideological and geographical frontiers.
He emphasized the need to become a voice for the oppressed Kashmiris who have faced years of oppression and Indian brutality. Referring to Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri cause, he highlighted the country’s political, diplomatic, and moral assistance to the Kashmiris’ legitimate struggle for self-determination.
Drawing attention to the dire situation of religious minorities in India, Barrister Chaudhry cited former US President Barack Obama’s recent interview, where he warned that India may unravel if the rights of religious and ethnic minorities are not upheld.
Barrister Chaudhry asserted that India’s treatment of Muslims in Occupied Kashmir mirrors the persecution of other minority groups in various Indian states. He called upon the international community, including the United Nations and OIC, to play an active role in resolving the Kashmir conflict to ensure lasting peace in South Asia.
He regarded the unresolved Kashmir dispute as the region’s most significant threat to peace, emphasizing that its resolution is crucial to maintaining global stability.
The event concluded with President AJK Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry and foreign diplomats cutting a cake to commemorate Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day.
