Summary President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz Sharif and federal ministers reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Kashmiris' right to self-determination on Accession to Pakistan Day.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination on Accession to Pakistan Day, calling for the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to be resolved in line with United Nations resolutions.
President Zardari said the occasion reflects the historic aspirations of the Kashmiri people and highlights the longstanding historical, cultural and spiritual ties between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Kashmiris' right to self-determination must be respected and urged the international community to take notice of alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
He called on the United Nations to ensure the implementation of its relevant resolutions, reiterating that Pakistan would continue extending diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people. The president added that lasting peace and prosperity in South Asia are linked to a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Accession to Pakistan Day is observed every year on July 19 to commemorate the resolution unanimously adopted by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar on July 19, 1947. He said the resolution reflected the collective political aspirations of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir and remains a historic milestone in the Kashmiri people's political struggle.
The prime minister said the day symbolizes the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir based on shared history, faith, culture, geography and mutual affinity. He reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiris' inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, adding that lasting peace in South Asia depends on a peaceful settlement of the dispute in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Addressing party workers in LA-36 Jammu-3 in Muzaffarabad, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the value of Kashmiri migrants' sacrifices is immense and that their sacrifices contributed to the freedom enjoyed today. He described the upcoming election as one linked to the Kashmir cause and the protection of the Kashmiri people.
Khawaja Asif said the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir was built on sacrifices, paid tribute to the armed forces, martyrs and veterans, and said Pakistan's bond with Kashmir continues to face challenges despite the historic commitment expressed by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs and Hurriyat leaders, saying the July 19, 1947 resolution truly reflected the collective aspirations of the Kashmiri people and marked a milestone in their freedom movement. He said the resolution demonstrated the Kashmiri leadership's unwavering commitment to joining Pakistan even before independence.
Naqvi said the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Kashmiri brothers, saluted the courage and resilience of Kashmiris in the face of alleged Indian atrocities, and reiterated that the Kashmiri people have the fundamental right to determine their own future. He added that Pakistan would continue its unconditional and principled support for their right to self-determination.
