President, PM reiterate Pakistan's support on Kashmir Solidarity Day

In a statement, PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned the illegal actions taken by India in IIOJK.

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Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day on Wednesday to reaffirm its commitment to the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination as outlined in United Nations resolutions.

The day, marked by a public holiday every year on February 5, saw solidarity walks and human chains formed across the country, including in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The government and people of Pakistan stand united with the residents of IIIOJK in their fight for freedom from Indian subjugation. Rallies were held in various cities, with a significant event taking place at Constitution Avenue in Islamabad.

A minute of silence was observed at 10 am to honour Kashmiri martyrs, with sirens sounding across the country.

The IIOJK Legislative Assembly has convened a special session in Muzaffarabad to express solidarity with the Kashmiris, while human chains were formed in key locations such as Mangla, Kohala, Bararkot, Azad Pattan, and Holar, symbolising the unity between Pakistan and IIOJK.

Special events were also held at Mangla Bridge in Mirpur and in the Kotli and Bhimber districts.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message for the day, urged the international community to honour its responsibilities and help the Kashmiris in their struggle. He called on the United Nations to fulfil its promises made 78 years ago regarding the region’s right to self-determination.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of the day in reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiris. "The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. We stand by the Kashmiri people’s just struggle to decide their own future,” he said.

The Prime Minister also condemned the illegal actions taken by India in IIOJK, including the suppression of political parties and human rights violations.

In his speech, PM Shehbaz called for international pressure on India to allow Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination, stressing that lasting peace in South Asia can only be achieved if India stops suppressing the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The Pakistani military also reaffirmed its support for the Kashmiri cause. The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad, alongside the services chiefs, expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK.

The military condemned the grave human rights violations occurring in the region, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions. “We strongly urge the international community to take decisive action and ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions,” said the military spokesperson.