On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed annually on February 5, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that the dispute over the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) will continue to be a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. This day, marked with a national public holiday across the country, serves as an expression of solidarity with the Kashmiri people, bringing international attention to the ongoing human rights violations and atrocities committed by India in the occupied region.
In his message for the day, Prime Minister Sharif stressed that the fundamental right to self-determination, recognized under international law, remains denied to the people of Kashmir, despite the passage of more than 78 years since the region’s occupation. He pointed out that the territory of Jammu and Kashmir, under Indian control, continues to be one of the most militarized areas globally, where the indigenous Kashmiri population lives in an atmosphere of constant fear, intimidation, and oppression.
The prime minister highlighted that political activists, human rights defenders, and ordinary civilians in IIOJK have been subjected to long periods of detention, arbitrary confiscation of properties, and severe restrictions on their freedom of expression. He also condemned the Indian government’s actions that have led to the banning of political parties that represent the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, emphasizing that these measures are aimed at suppressing dissent and curbing the legitimate struggle of Kashmiris for their rights.
“Today, the people of Kashmir are still denied the basic freedoms that they deserve, and the international community must not turn a blind eye to their suffering,” said Prime Minister Sharif, underscoring that Pakistan will continue to be a steadfast advocate for the Kashmiri cause on the global stage.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a statement on Kashmir Solidarity Day, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people in their legitimate struggle for self-determination. He reminded the international community, particularly the United Nations, of its responsibility to uphold the commitments made 77 years ago when the UN Security Council passed resolutions recognizing the Kashmiri people’s right to determine their own future through a plebiscite.
“The international community must act in accordance with these resolutions,” President Zardari said. “Pakistan will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, providing them with full moral, diplomatic, and political support as they continue their fight for justice.”
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also expressed strong condemnation of India’s actions in IIOJK. He highlighted that the people of Kashmir are enduring continuous hardships as they fight for their fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination. Tarar reiterated that Pakistan will continue to call on the global community to hold India accountable for the atrocities in Kashmir and ensure that the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council are respected and implemented.
As Pakistan marks Kashmir Solidarity Day, it is a reminder that the Kashmir issue is far from being resolved. Despite decades of international attention and numerous UN resolutions, the Kashmiri people remain oppressed under Indian occupation, their right to self-determination still denied. Pakistan’s leadership has once again called on the world to take meaningful action to address this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Kashmir Solidarity Day not only reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmiri cause but also serves as a reminder to the international community of its responsibility to uphold justice and human rights in IIOJK. The struggle for the people of Kashmir is ongoing, and Pakistan’s support for their cause remains as resolute as ever.