ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal (5th August, 2023), Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, issued a strong message of support for the Kashmiri people in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It has been four years since India unilaterally and illegally revoked the special status of IIOJK, leading to a series of brutal measures to suppress the Kashmiri people.
Prime Minister Sharif condemned India’s use of force and violence to suppress the Kashmiri people and its attempts to alter the disputed status of IIOJK. He highlighted India’s recent steps, including selective delimitation of electoral constituencies and the issuance of fake domiciles, as part of a strategy to change Kashmir’s demography and political landscape. Pakistan unequivocally rejected all such unilateral and illegal actions by India.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s occupation of IIOJK not only violates international law but also undermines fundamental rights and freedoms. He called on the international community to take action against India’s oppression in Kashmir and ensure that India honors its commitments to the Kashmiri people and the United Nations.
Military Siege of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
Despite decades of Indian occupation and four years of continuous military siege and media blackout, the brave Kashmiri people have steadfastly continued their freedom struggle. Prime Minister Sharif praised their courage and sacrifices and assured them of Pakistan’s unwavering support in their cause for freedom.
He called on India to grant the Kashmiris their inalienable right to self-determination and emphasized that Pakistan will continue to support the rightful and just cause of the Kashmiri people at every forum. He urged India to end its human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse all unilateral and illegal measures taken since 5th August 2019, and hold a fair and impartial plebiscite in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Prime Minister Sharif also stressed that meaningful and purpose-oriented dialogue between India and Pakistan, addressing all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, is essential for achieving peace and stability in South Asia.
The message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people and seeking a peaceful resolution of the long-standing issue.
