BY: Naseem Hassan:
ISLAMABAD — President of Pakistan reaffirmed the country’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in his message on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, paying tribute to their courage, resilience, and steadfast commitment to their struggle for the right to self-determination.
The President said that seven years had passed since India’s unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which, he stated, sought to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir in violation of international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. He emphasized that these actions could neither change the legal status of the dispute nor weaken the determination of the Kashmiri people.
Highlighting the humanitarian situation in IIOJK, the President said millions of Kashmiris had continued to live under severe restrictions affecting every aspect of daily life. He noted that families had endured prolonged uncertainty, young people had faced limited opportunities, and entire communities had borne the burden of conflict and instability. Despite these challenges, he said, the people of Jammu and Kashmir had remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice and their legitimate right to determine their own future.
Reiterating Pakistan’s position, the President said the country would continue to extend its moral, political, and diplomatic support to the people of IIOJK and raise the Kashmir issue at every international forum until it was resolved in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He stressed that lasting peace in South Asia was closely linked to the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to play an active role in addressing the human rights situation in IIOJK and facilitating a just and peaceful settlement of the longstanding dispute.
Addressing the people of Jammu and Kashmir directly, the President assured them that Pakistan stood firmly by their side, saying their courage in the face of adversity continued to inspire the nation. He reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan would continue to support their legitimate right to self-determination.
Concluding his message, the President prayed that Allah Almighty grant the people of Jammu and Kashmir strength, patience, steadfastness, justice, and lasting peace.
