Islamabad : On the occasion of Right to Self-Determination Day, observed on January 5, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their peaceful struggle to secure their right to self-determination.
In separate messages, both leaders highlighted the historical significance of this day, marking the adoption of a United Nations (UN) resolution in 1949 that recognized the Kashmiri people’s right to determine their future through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN supervision.
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the international community to take a more active and effective role in ensuring the implementation of UN resolutions regarding Kashmir, which continue to remain unfulfilled after more than 70 years.
President Zardari emphasized that the passage of time has not diminished the relevance of the UN resolutions or the legitimacy of the Kashmiri people’s demand for self-determination. He condemned the ongoing violations of human rights in IIOJK, including restrictions on political activities, freedom of expression, and prolonged detentions, which have created a climate of fear and impunity. He also raised concerns over India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a grave development that threatens regional peace and stability.
The president stressed that the Kashmir dispute can only be resolved through dialogue and the full implementation of UNSC resolutions. He urged the UN to take concrete steps to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can freely exercise their right to self-determination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also marked the day by urging the international community to recognize that a just and fair resolution of the Kashmir issue is essential for long-lasting peace in South Asia. He called on the world to pressure India to end its widespread human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse its illegal actions of August 5, 2019, and allow Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s unshakeable support for the Kashmir cause, emphasizing that Pakistan will continue to represent the voice of Kashmiris at every international forum. He also highlighted the significance of January 5 as a reminder of the UN’s historic commitment to uphold the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a commitment that remains unfulfilled due to India’s illegal occupation.
The prime minister also condemned India’s attempts to alter the region’s demographic and political landscape through its actions since August 5, 2019. He spoke out against India’s suppression of the genuine Kashmiri leadership and independent media, and the widespread abuse of human rights in the region, including arbitrary detentions and profiling of civilians.
PM Shehbaz concluded by praising the resilience and courage of the Kashmiri people, saying that despite India’s efforts to subjugate them, their quest for self-determination remains unshaken.
