Pakistan to continue moral, political, diplomatic support to Kashmiri people: PM

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the country will continue to provide strong moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until their fundamental right to self-determination is realized.

In a message on Youm-e-Istehsal on August 5, 2024, he stated that the people and government of Pakistan are commemorating the occasion.

“This somber occasion reminds us of the grave consequences of India’s illegal actions of 5 August 2019 vis-à-vis Indian Ilegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).”

On August 5, 2019, he stated that India had taken a series of moves to consolidate its possession of lIOJK.

“Ever since, India has attempted to persuade the world that Jammu and Kashmir is an intrinsic part of its territory. However, international law, historical facts, moral ideals, and the reality on the ground all contradict India’s unfounded claims. Today, in IIOJK, efforts are being undertaken to stifle authentic Kashmiri leadership and the media. The number of political detainees remains in the thousands, and 14 political organizations have been banned.

Harassment of innocent people, arbitrary detentions, and so-called “cordon and search operations” have grown commonplace. “The Indian forces operate with impunity, according to them, under various draconian laws,” he continued.

He stated, “I, nevertheless, commend the Kashmiri people’s unwavering courage, which has enabled them to withstand every Indian attempt to control them. There is no doubt that India’s forceful measures have not diminished their desire to exercise their natural right to self-determination.”

“History has repeatedly demonstrated that long-term peace in South Asia is dependant on the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir problem. “In the interest of long-term peace and security in South Asia, India must shift from dispute denial to dispute resolution,” he added.

The prime minister continued: “The international community must urge India to halt its egregious human rights violations in IIOJK; reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019; repeal the draconian laws; and implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.”