ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic, political and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In separate messages on the occasion of Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day, observed on July 19 every year, the two leaders paid tribute to the historic resolution adopted by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar on 19 July 1947, describing it as a landmark expression of the political aspirations of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir.
President Zardari said, “The observance of the day reflects the deep-rooted historical, cultural and spiritual bonds between the people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir while reaffirming the importance of respecting the freely expressed will of the Kashmiri people in determining their future.”
He noted that despite nearly eight decades having passed, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains unresolved. "At the same time, the right to self-determination guaranteed by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions has yet to be realized."
President Zardari also expressed concern over what he described as continued human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), urging the international community, particularly the UN, to play its role in ensuring the realization of the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination.
The president paid tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, assuring that Pakistan would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters until they can exercise their legitimate rights.
Prime Minister Sharif, in his message, said the 19 July 1947 resolution remains an important historical milestone in the political struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said, “The occasion also highlights the enduring bonds between the people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir based on shared history, faith, culture, geography and longstanding ties.”
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan remains steadfast in its principled support for the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination.
He said that lasting peace, security and prosperity in South Asia require a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister also saluted the courage, resilience and steadfastness of the people of IIOJK, reaffirming Pakistan’s continued diplomatic, political and moral support for their just struggle.
Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over are observing the Accession to Pakistan Day on Sunday, with a renewed pledge to continue the struggle for liberation from Indian occupation and realization of the July 19, 1947, resolution for Jammu and Kashmir's accession to Pakistan.
According to Kashmir Media Service, on July 19, 1947, the genuine representatives of the Kashmiris unanimously adopted the historic Accession to Pakistan resolution during a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in the Aabi Guzar area of Srinagar.
The resolution called for the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan.
Federal Interior Minister
In a separate statement on Sunday, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to Kashmiris on Pakistan Accession Day.
“Salute to all Kashmiri martyrs and Hurriyat leaders who kept the candle of freedom burning,” said the statement.
It added, “The July 19, 1947 resolution is a true reflection of the collective aspirations of Kashmiris and an important milestone in the freedom struggle.”
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