On Kashmir Solidarity Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the international community to pressure India to allow Kashmiris to determine their future. The leaders stressed that lasting peace in the region could only be achieved if the true aspirations of the Kashmiri people were acknowledged and respected.
In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that peace cannot be achieved by suppressing the people’s right to self-determination. He noted that the international community’s inaction in resolving long-standing disputes, such as the Kashmir conflict, had been detrimental to regional stability. Shehbaz pointed out that the United Nations (UN) has repeatedly acknowledged the right of all peoples to decide their own fate, yet Kashmiris have been denied this fundamental right for over seven decades. He highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir remains one of the most militarized zones globally, with locals enduring an environment of fear and intimidation.
President Zardari reiterated the global responsibility to support Kashmiris, urging the UN to fulfill the promises made to them 78 years ago and to back their struggle for self-determination. Pakistan remains steadfast in its moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people until they are granted the right to determine their own future.
Prime Minister’s Visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir: A Show of Support
On the same day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), to reaffirm Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK). Addressing the AJK Legislative Assembly, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiris, pledging to continue backing their cause for self-determination.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz met with Kashmiri leaders and participated in discussions on the situation in IoK. He was received with a guard of honor and was accompanied by key government ministers, including those for Kashmir Affairs and Planning.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts and Public Solidarity
Pakistan’s government and political leaders have repeatedly emphasized the importance of UN resolutions regarding Kashmir. In statements made by ministers such as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to highlighting Kashmir’s plight on the global stage. Dar also sent letters to international organizations like the UN Security Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), urging them to improve the human rights situation in IoK.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a televised message, pointed out the ongoing delay in implementing UN Security Council resolutions due to India’s intransigence. He called on the international community to increase pressure on India to recognize Kashmir’s right to self-determination.
Nationwide Rallies and Solidarity with Kashmiris
Kashmir Solidarity Day was marked by various events across Pakistan, including rallies, public meetings, and the formation of human chains connecting Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. A rally in Islamabad featured participants holding Kashmiri flags, walking to D-Chowk to demonstrate their support for Kashmiris.
At the rally, Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik spoke passionately about Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Kashmiris, highlighting the contrast between the hardships faced by Kashmiris and the quality of life enjoyed by Indians. He pointed out the brutal treatment faced by Kashmiri families, including violence against women and children, stressing the need for action to resolve the conflict and ensure the protection of human rights.
Military’s Strong Support for Kashmir’s Cause
Pakistan’s armed forces also voiced their support for Kashmiris, condemning the ongoing human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, along with other military leaders, expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their fight for self-determination. The military condemned extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions, calling for immediate international intervention to address these violations and implement UN resolutions in line with Kashmiri aspirations.
Pakistan’s armed forces reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty while supporting Kashmir’s rightful pursuit of freedom and dignity.
Conclusion: A Day of Renewed Commitment to Kashmir’s Freedom
Kashmir Solidarity Day serves as a reminder of Pakistan’s continued support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. With strong political and public support, Pakistan has made it clear that the Kashmir issue will remain a core component of its foreign policy. Through diplomatic efforts, public demonstrations, and military support, Pakistan calls on the international community to take decisive action to address the ongoing human rights abuses in IoK and uphold the Kashmiris’ right to decide their own future.
