Nation resolves to support Kashmiris’ just struggle

The entire country to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day with renewed commitment to support the just struggle of Kashmiris

ISLAMABAD:

The entire nation will observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day on Sunday (tomorrow) with a renewed commitment to support the just struggle of Kashmiris for their inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The people and the government of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir observe Solidarity Day every year not only to renew their love and affection with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) but also to reiterate their commitment and dedication to the liberation of the occupied valley from the Indian subjugation.

People from different walks of life, including politicians, doctors, lawyers, social activists, students and others would hold rallies and demonstrations, and form human chains across the country to infuse new spirits in the Kashmiris, who have been fighting for their freedom.

Also read: Kashmir Solidarity Day tomorrow

In his message, President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan consistently maintained that a lasting solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was possible only in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.

"Pakistan also urges the international community and organisations to take practical steps to hold India accountable for its gross and widespread human rights violations in IIOJK," the president said.

"We observe this day to draw the attention of the international community towards the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions which provide that the final disposition of the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute would be made in accordance with the will of the people, expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations," he stressed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his separate message, said that India is mistaken if it believes it could crush the iron will of the Kashmiri people. "No amount of state terrorism, unleashed by Indian Occupation Forces, can break the will of the Kashmiris or undermine their legitimate struggle," the prime minister said.

The prime minister urged India to honour its commitments made to Pakistan, the UN and, above all, to the Kashmiri people. "On behalf of the entire Pakistani nation, I want to assure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them. We will continue to lend moral, diplomatic and political support to their just cause, until they attain freedom from Indian oppression," PM Office Media Wing in a press release quoted the prime minister saying.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated that they would continue to lend unstinted moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people until the realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

"I want to remind our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that Pakistan will never sit back and watch silently while Kashmiris continue to suffer Indian atrocities. Jammu and Kashmir dispute will remain a key pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy," the foreign minister said.

The foreign minister said as they observed Kashmir Solidarity Day, the people of Pakistan saluted the sacrifices of their Kashmiri brothers and sisters who had suffered for more than seventy-five years under brutal Indian oppression.

Also read: Regional peace linked with resolution of Kashmir issue: Nawabzada

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the entire Pakistani nation would celebrate Kashmir Solidarity Day with full fervor and enthusiasm tomorrow.

In a statement, she said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address a special session of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly tomorrow.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, she added, will express solidarity with the brave, valiant, and freedom-loving people of AJK and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.