PM Imran reaffirms support for Kashmiris on Accession to Pakistan Day

Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed on Sunday his commitment to the people of Kashmir on the occasion of Youm-i-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan - the day Kashmiris passed a resolution for accession to Pakistan.

The prime minister expressed his support for the Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination.

"We reaffirm our commitment to the Kashmiri people & stand with them in their struggle for self-determination," he wrote, adding that their right of self-determination is recognised by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and under international law.

The premier vowed to continue fighting for Kashmiris who have been hit hard by India's illegal annexation of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) on August 5, 2019.

"We will continue to fight for justice for Kashmiris as they struggle against the brutal & illegal actions of the Hindutva Supremacist Indian govt in IOJ&K. I know that justice will prevail," he added.

Earlier this month, on Martyrs' Day (July 13) the premier expressed support for the Kashmiri people and their continued struggle for their right to self-determination.

"Today, on Yaum-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir, we salute Kashmiris for their continued struggle against the illegal and barbaric Indian occupation of Jammu & Kashmir. The Shuhada of 13 July, 1931 were the forefathers of today's Kashmiri resistance," the PM had said in a tweet.

FM Qureshi reiteriates support

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed 'unwavering support' to the Kashmiri people while commemorating the day.

"On this day in 1947, true representatives of J&K adopted a historic resolution for accession to Pakistan. Despite decades of Indian occupation, resolve of Kashmiris and immutable bonds to PK stand strong," tweeted Qureshi while reaffirming Pakistan's support for the Kashmiri's "just struggle for freedom".

The ruling maharaja, however, aceded to India in exchange for assistance by Indian armed forces to combat an internal revolt and external invasion, handing over control of defence, communication and foreign affairs to the Indian government, under duress. Both sides had agreed for a referendum to be held once hostilities ceased.

Pakistan has stood in support of the United Nations Resolution of 1948 which called for a plebiscite, right to self determination, of the Kashmiri people. That referendum is yet to be held.

The resolution for accession to Pakistan was passed by a majority of Kashmiri representatives in a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference - currently a dominant political party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.