ISLAMABAD : President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued strong statements on Kashmir Liberation Day, marking seven years since India revoked the special status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as they reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people.
In his message on August 5, President Zardari declared that the establishment of lasting and just peace in South Asia is intrinsically linked to the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He paid tribute to the bravery of Kashmiris and their just struggle for the right to self-determination.
“India violated international law and relevant Security Council resolutions,” the President said, asserting that New Delhi’s unilateral actions cannot alter the internationally recognized disputed status of the territory. He emphasized that despite all hardships, the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir remain steadfast in their determination to secure their rightful future. “Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a separate statement, accused India of intensifying its “heinous efforts” to change the demographic ratio of the occupied territory. He voiced concern over the suppression of political leadership, restrictions on civil liberties, and curbs on free media in the valley.
“The courage, perseverance, and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people remain unwavering despite all difficulties,” the Prime Minister said, reiterating that the Kashmir dispute is the most fundamental and long-standing issue for peace and stability in South Asia.
Urging the international community to move beyond mere expressions of concern, PM Sharif called for a responsible role in securing a just and lasting solution to the conflict. He stressed that a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
“Pakistan will continue to raise the voice of Kashmiris with full force at every regional and international forum,” he affirmed. The Prime Minister demanded that the international community halt grave human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and called on India to withdraw all illegal and unilateral measures imposed since August 2019
