Imran, Alvi reaffirm support for Kashmiris

Call for implementation of UN resolutions on Accession Day

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) in their struggle for self-determination on the occasion of Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan -- the day observed to commemorate the unanimous adoption of a resolution by the true representatives of the disputed territory for its accession to Pakistan.

In his message to the nation on Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day, the prime minister vowed to continue fighting for Kashmiris who have been hit hard by India's illegal annexation of IOJ&K on August 5 last year.

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

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

On July 19, 1947, Kashmiri leaders during a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference at the Aabi Guzar area of Srinagar unanimously adopted a resolution for the territory’s accession to Pakistan.

In his message, President Alvi said the time was not far away when the sacrifices of the people of IOJ&K would come to fruition and they would accede to Pakistan.

He added that the Accession to Pakistan Day was meant to reiterate the resolve of the Kashmiri people to free themselves of Indian oppression.

The president said the India had been illegally occupying IOJ&K and subjecting Kashmiris to inhuman torture.

“Pakistan has been highlighting Indian cruelties in Kashmir at every international forum and voices are also being raised in other parts of the world against the human rights abuses in IOJ&K.”

President Alvi said India had also been violating the UNSC resolutions that recognised Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

“The Indian government’s actions to change the demography of the territory are also violations of the resolutions.”

The president urged the international community to play its role for implementation of the resolutions.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also expressed his 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, acceded 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. (With additional input from APP)