ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for the right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
In their separate messages on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day observed on Sunday, they said the day serves as a reminder of the inherited resilience, resistance against brutal forces, and unwavering determination of Kashmiris for their freedom.
The day marks the anniversary of July 13, 1931, when 22 unarmed Kashmiris were shot dead by Dogra Maharaja troops outside Srinagar’s Central Jail during court proceedings against Abdul Qadeer, who had called on the people to resist the oppressive Dogra rule.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, appealed to the international community and human rights organisations to take immediate notice of the ongoing Indian state terrorism and grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
“I pay tribute to the 22 great Kashmiri martyrs who sacrificed their lives against oppression and barbarism and for the right to freedom, outside Srinagar Jail on July 13, 1931,” he said.
He added, “Pakistan pays tribute to the bravery, determination, and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who have stood firm against Indian rule for decades and continue to struggle for their freedom.”
“India’s illegal occupation of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has turned it into a military prison where extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, political imprisonment, attempts to change the population ratio, and systematic conspiracies to erase the identity of Muslims are ongoing,” he added.
He said, “Today, we salute these martyrs and all other Kashmiris who sacrificed their lives for freedom.”
“Pakistan will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri brothers until they achieve their right to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he concluded.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said the government of Pakistan will continue to extend its political, diplomatic, and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are waging a struggle to gain their right to self-determination and freedom.
He said, “The day serves as a reminder of the inherent steadfastness, resistance against brutal forces, and unwavering resolve of the Muslims of Kashmir. The struggle for freedom, human rights, and Kashmiri rights has been going on throughout Kashmir’s history.”
“The Kashmiri people have been and are sacrificing their lives in their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination,” he said adding, “The government of Pakistan expresses its political, diplomatic and moral support in solidarity with the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir, which is illegally occupied by India.”
“Today, the Government of Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the resolution of the Kashmir issue and the right of self-determination of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” he concluded.
In a strong message, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned India’s obstinacy and human rights violations in occupied Kashmir.
He highlighted that the mediation offer by US President Donald Trump had the potential to open a path to peace, but India’s refusal demonstrated its aggressive mindset.
Naqvi paid homage to the 22 Kashmiri martyrs who sacrificed their lives on July 13, 1931, in respect of the call to prayer, emphasising that their legacy continues to fuel the freedom movement.
He characterised this date as a pivotal moment against tyranny, stating that the violence of the Dogra Raj and current Indian oppression are merely different expressions of the same injustices.
He criticised the Modi government for perpetuating suffering on Kashmiris similar to that of the Dogra regime.
Naqvi asserted that the cry for freedom from Kashmiris cannot be silenced by any force.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan stands as the protector and advocate for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, pledging ongoing political, diplomatic, and moral support for their cause.
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also paid glowing tribute to brave Kashmiri martyrs of July 13, 1931.
In his message, he said that the sacrifice of the martyrs of Srinagar Central Jail is a reminder that the spirit of freedom can never be suppressed by bullets.
The PPP Chairman said his party has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for self-determination.
