ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), saying the country would continue to raise the Kashmir issue at every regional and international forum until it is resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
In a message issued on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, the Prime Minister said Pakistan stood in solidarity with the people of IIOJK and observed the day to remind the international community of what he described as the consequences of India’s unilateral actions on August 5, 2019.
“We solemnly observe this day to remind the world of the grave consequences of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which sought to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), in flagrant violation of international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” the PM said.
PM Criticises India’s 2019 Actions
The prime minister said the measures introduced by India on August 5, 2019, could neither alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir nor diminish the Kashmiri people’s aspiration for self-determination.
“Seven years on, these unlawful measures have neither changed the legal status of Jammu and Kashmir nor diminished the legitimate aspiration of its people. Instead, they have deepened repression, undermined fundamental freedom, and accelerated attempts to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory through unlawful legislative and administrative measures,” PM added.
He said the developments had instead led to increased restrictions, alleged human rights violations and attempts to alter the demographic composition of the territory through legislative and administrative measures.
The prime minister also expressed concern over restrictions on civil liberties, independent media and the continued detention of Kashmiri political leaders.
Calls for Peaceful Resolution
Paying tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that their peaceful struggle for the right to self-determination continues to inspire people who believe in justice, human dignity, and international law.
“Despite these challenges, the courage, resilience and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people remain unshaken,” he said.
He reiterated Pakistan’s position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the principal unresolved issue affecting peace and stability in South Asia.
The prime minister said lasting peace in the region could only be achieved through a peaceful settlement of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UNSC resolutions.
Appeal to the International Community
Prime Minister Shehbaz called on the international community to play a more active role in advancing a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He urged the global community to press India to end human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse the measures introduced since August 2019, repeal restrictive laws imposed in the territory and create an environment conducive to the peaceful exercise of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute would remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
