Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the country's unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, marking Kashmir Solidarity Day. In his statement, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advocating for the right to self-determination of Kashmiris, a principle enshrined in international law and the United Nations resolutions.
According to Sharif, the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have been denied their fundamental right to self-determination for the past seventy-eight years. Despite the UN General Assembly’s annual resolutions reaffirming this right, Kashmiris remain unable to decide their own future due to India’s continued military control over the region.
Sharif condemned India’s heavy militarization of Jammu and Kashmir, calling it one of the most heavily militarized zones in the world. He accused India of fostering an environment of fear and repression, where political activists, human rights defenders, and pro-Kashmir political parties face persecution, prolonged detention, and property confiscation.
He further stated that India’s banning of legitimate political parties in the region was an attempt to crush dissent and silence the genuine voices of the Kashmiri people. The political and demographic changes imposed since August 5, 2019, were described as part of India’s broader agenda to consolidate its illegal occupation by transforming Kashmiris into a marginalized and disempowered community in their homeland.
Drawing comparisons with recent geopolitical crises in the Middle East, Sharif warned against allowing long-standing disputes like Kashmir to fester. He emphasized that lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved through suppression and urged the international community to press India to respect the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s foreign policy stance, the Prime Minister declared that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a core issue for Pakistan. He pledged continued moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmiri people until they achieve their right to self-determination as per UN Security Council resolutions.
In his concluding remarks, Sharif paid tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, commending their unwavering struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms despite immense hardships.
Pakistan continues to advocate for international intervention, urging global leaders and organizations to address human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. The demand for independent investigations, lifting of political restrictions, and restoration of fundamental freedoms remains central to Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts on the issue.
As Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed worldwide, Pakistan’s leadership remains firm in its commitment to amplifying the voices of Kashmiris on international platforms, ensuring that their struggle for justice and freedom is recognized.
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