ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They called for a just and peaceful settlement of the longstanding dispute in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In their messages on Kashmir Black Day, observed on October 27, both leaders stressed that lasting peace and stability in South Asia depended on resolving the Kashmir dispute.
President Zardari urged the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organisations, to take serious notice of the human rights situation in IIOJK. He called for efforts to protect the fundamental rights of Kashmiris and support a lasting settlement.
He reiterated that Pakistan would continue providing moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people.
“We will continue to raise their voice at every appropriate international forum and to advocate the realisation of their legitimate aspirations,” he said.
The president said Kashmir Black Day was not merely an occasion to remember past events. Instead, it offered an opportunity to renew the commitment to a just and peaceful resolution of the dispute.
He added that lasting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia remained closely linked to resolving the issue under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Zardari Highlights Human Rights Concerns in IIOJK
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiris, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with their pursuit of justice, peace, dignity and the right to self-determination.
He expressed hope that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would one day determine their future according to their aspirations and that the dispute would move towards a just and peaceful resolution.
The president recalled October 27, 1947, when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of what he described as a prolonged and tragic chapter in the region’s history.
He said the people of IIOJK had endured decades of conflict, restrictions, violence and repression. Generations had made immense sacrifices in their pursuit of justice, dignity and freedom.
President Zardari also expressed concern over continuing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, increased militarisation, arrests and reports of human rights violations. He said these developments required sustained international attention.
He added that the situation had deteriorated further since August 5, 2019, when India unilaterally changed the constitutional and legal status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Lasting Peace Impossible Without Kashmir Dispute Resolution: PM
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir remained clear, consistent and principled.
He stressed that lasting peace and stability in South Asia could not be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the dispute.
In his Kashmir Black Day message, the prime minister said the government and people of Pakistan renewed their unwavering solidarity with the people of IIOJK.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing moral, diplomatic and political support to Kashmiris while advocating their legitimate rights at national and international forums.
Recalling October 27, 1947, PM Shehbaz said the arrival of Indian forces in Srinagar had marked the beginning of a tragic chapter whose consequences continued to affect the region.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had since been denied their inalienable right to self-determination, as recognised in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister noted that Kashmiris had endured immense hardship, suffering and repression. However, their courage, resilience and determination to secure their fundamental rights remained undiminished.
He said the sacrifices of successive generations reflected their enduring commitment to freedom, dignity and justice.
PM Shehbaz Calls for International Attention
PM Shehbaz expressed deep concern over what he described as India’s continued efforts to suppress legitimate political expression and silence voices representing the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He said the prolonged detention of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and human rights defenders highlighted the need to uphold due process, protect basic liberties and ensure greater international attention.
The prime minister also referred to India’s unilateral measures in IIOJK since August 5, 2019, which he said had been accompanied by sweeping restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
According to PM Shehbaz, these measures had affected the political, legal and demographic character of the territory and attracted serious international attention.
He said Pakistan had consistently called for these developments to be addressed under international law and applicable UN Security Council resolutions.
On Kashmir Black Day, the prime minister paid tribute to the Kashmiri men, women and children who had made immense sacrifices in pursuit of their rights. He said their sacrifices would always be remembered.
PM Shehbaz maintained that coercion and repression could not extinguish the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He expressed hope that their future would bring lasting peace, dignity, security and the fulfilment of their right to self-determination.
