'Peace elusive without Kashmir settlement'

President, PM urge world community to ensure implementation of UNSC resolution

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday issued separate messages on the eve of October 27—the date India illegally annexed the State of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. Pakistan and Kashmiris across the globe observe October 27 as Black Day.

In his statement released by the President Secretariat Press Wing, President Zardari called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and global human rights organizations, to hold India accountable for its grave and systematic human rights violations in held Kashmir.

The president said given India's recent hostilities towards Pakistan, the occasion of Kashmir Black Day highlighted that lasting peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

"On its part, Pakistan will continue its unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support to the people of IIOJK who continue to endure oppression on a daily basis. We stand united with our Kashmiri brethren in their struggle for justice, peace and self-determination," he said,

He said on October 27, 1947, Indian forces entered Srinagar in blatant violation of international law, moral principles, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Consequently, one of the darkest chapters in modern history began.

"Since then, generations of innocent men, women, and children in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have endured unimaginable suffering under occupation, marked by violence, repression, and denial of their fundamental rights," he added.

In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said lasting peace and stability in South Asia would remain elusive without the just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.

"For nearly eight decades, the people of the IIOJK have endured enormous hardship and oppression. We salute their indomitable spirit, courage, and resilience, in the face of fear and persecution," he added.

The prime minister said since August 5, 2019, India has further intensified its illegal and unilateral actions, aimed at altering the demography and political status of the IIOJK. In addition to human rights abuses, massive curbs have been imposed on freedom of movement and expression."

"By imposing such draconian laws, India has unleashed a systematic campaign of violence and brutality to silence the legitimate political voices and crush the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

"The unlawful and unjustified incarceration of several prominent Kashmiri leaders and activists, as well as media personalities, is an ugly manifestation of this Indian extremist agenda. Their continued imprisonment, under fabricated charges, is in blatant violation of international human rights norms," he said.

With input from APP