ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan will continue to extend its strong political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.
In a message on Youm-e-Istehsal on August 5, 2024, the Prime Minister said the people and Government of Pakistan are observing the Youm-e Istehsal today to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
“This somber occasion reminds us of the severe consequences of India’s illegal actions of 5 August 2019 vis-à-vis Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).” On 5 August 2019, Shehbaz Sharif said New Delhi took a series of steps to consolidate its occupation of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
“Ever since, New Delhi has been trying to convince the world that Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of its territory. However, global law, moral principles, historical facts, and the situation on the ground deny India’s baseless claims. Today, in IIOJK, efforts are being made to silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiris and silence the press. The number of political prisoners remains in the thousands, while around 14 political parties have been outlawed.
Harassment of innocent people, arbitrary detentions, and the so-called ‘cordon and search operations have become a matter of routine in Occupied Kashmir. The Indian troops are operating with impunity, according to them under many draconian laws,” the PM added.
He stated, “I, however, salute the unconquerable courage of Kashmiris that has enabled them to withstand every Indian attempt to subjugate them. There is no doubt that India’s coercive methods have completely failed to diminish their yearning for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.”
“History has proven, time and again, that durable peace in South Asia remains contingent upon the settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. In the interest of lasting peace and security in South Asia, India must move from dispute denial to dispute resolution,” the PM maintained.
Shehbaz Sharif further said, “The world must urge India to halt its egregious human rights violations in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir; reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019; repeal the draconian laws; and implement the UNSC resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.”
