Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have said that Pakistan remains unwavering in its moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They said that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the principal unresolved issue affecting peace and stability in South Asia.
This was stated by President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir.
In his message President Asif Ali Zardari said 'Today, we observe Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir to reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). We pay tribute to their courage, resilience and commitment to their just struggle for the realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination'.
President Zardari said that seven years have passed since India's illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which sought to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir in violation of international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. These actions cannot change the legal status of the dispute, nor can they weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people.
He said that for seven years, millions of Kashmiris have continued to live under severe restrictions that have affected every aspect of daily life. Families have endured uncertainty, young people have seen their opportunities constrained and entire communities have continued to bear the burden of prolonged conflict and instability. Despite these hardships, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice and their legitimate right to determine their own future.
President Zardari said that Pakistan remains unwavering in its moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of IIOJK. We will continue to raise our voice at every international forum until the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, he said.
President Zardari said that a just and lasting peace in South Asia is closely linked to the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. 'I urge the international community, particularly the United Nations, to play its role in addressing the grave human rights situation in IIOJK and in advancing a just and peaceful settlement of this longstanding dispute. To my Kashmiri brothers and sisters, I say: Pakistan stands firmly with you. Your courage in the face of adversity inspires us. You are not alone. The people of Pakistan will continue to stand by you until your legitimate right to self-determination is realised. May Allah Almighty grant the people of Jammu and Kashmir strength, patience and steadfastness, and bless them with justice and lasting peace'.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message said that 'Today, on Youm-e-Istehsal, the people and the Government of Pakistan stand in unwavering solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. 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 recognized disputed status of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), in flagrant violation of international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council'.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that 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. The continued suppression of the genuine Kashmiri political leadership, restrictions on civil liberties, and curbs on independent media, remain a matter of serious concern. Despite these challenges, the courage, resilience and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people remain unshaken. Their peaceful and just struggle for the realization of their unalienable right to self-determination continue to inspire generations and commands the respect and support of all those who believe in justice, human dignity and the rule of international law.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the principal unresolved issue affecting peace and stability in South Asia. Lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved by coercion or unilateral action, but only through a peaceful settlement of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The international community must move beyond expressions of concern and play its rightful role in advancing a just and durable resolution of the dispute.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'On this solemn occasion, I reaffirm that peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and Pakistan will continue to extend its diplomatic, political and moral support and raise the voice of the Kashmiri people at every regional and international forum.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan calls upon the international community to urge India to end its human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse its illegal and unilateral measures introduced since August 2019, repeal the draconian laws imposed upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir and create conducive environment to enable the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through the exercise of the right to self-determination by the Kashmiri people in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.