ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling upon the international community to play its role in protecting their fundamental rights and ensuring a just and peaceful resolution of the longstanding dispute.
In their separate messages on the observance of Jammu and Kashmir Black Day on October 27, both leaders reiterated that lasting peace and stability in South Asia remained closely linked to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
President Zardari called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organisations, to take due cognisance of the human rights situation in IIOJK, support efforts to protect the fundamental rights of Kashmiris and contribute meaningfully towards a lasting settlement.
He said Kashmir Black Day was not merely an occasion for remembrance but also an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to a peaceful and just resolution of the dispute.
The president recalled that on October 27, 1947, Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged and tragic chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
He observed that the people of IIOJK had endured decades of conflict, violence, repression and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. The continuing militarisation, arrests and reports of human rights violations remained matters of serious concern, underscoring the need for sustained international attention.
President Zardari also highlighted developments following India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, which, he said, sought to alter the constitutional and legal status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices and resilience of the Kashmiri people, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s moral, diplomatic and political support for their legitimate aspirations.
“We will continue to raise their voice at every appropriate international forum and to advocate the realisation of their legitimate aspirations,” the president said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir remained clear, consistent and principled. He stressed that lasting peace and stability in South Asia could not be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the government and people of Pakistan stood in unwavering solidarity with the people of IIOJK and would continue to advocate their legitimate rights at national and international forums.
Recalling the events of October 27, 1947, Shehbaz Sharif said the landing of Indian forces in Srinagar had marked the beginning of a tragic chapter whose consequences continued to affect the region.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had yet to realise their inalienable right to self-determination, as affirmed in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister expressed concern over restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the prolonged incarceration of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and human rights defenders. He emphasised the need for due process, respect for basic liberties and greater international attention to the situation.
He also said India’s unilateral measures since August 5, 2019, had affected the political, legal and demographic character of the territory and called for these developments to be addressed in accordance with international law and applicable UN resolutions.
Both leaders paid tribute to the countless Kashmiri men, women and children who had sacrificed for justice, dignity and freedom, expressing solidarity with their continued pursuit of self-determination.
They reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to support the Kashmiri people and advocate a peaceful settlement that reflected their aspirations and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.