Pakistan’s top leadership issued a forceful call to the international community on Monday, urging immediate pressure on India to cease human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The appeals came as the nation observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, marking the anniversary of India’s revocation of the region’s special autonomous status.
Zardari Hails Kashmiri Resilience Amid Severe Hardship
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the courage of the Kashmiri people, stating that millions have endured severe restrictions affecting every aspect of daily life since August 2019. He noted that families have faced prolonged uncertainty, young people have seen their opportunities constrained, and entire communities continue to bear the burden of protracted conflict and instability.
“Despite these hardships, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice and their legitimate right to determine their own future,” President Zardari said in his official message. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s moral, political, and diplomatic support remains unwavering.
Prime Minister Declares Dispute Resolution a Foreign Policy Cornerstone
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reinforced that a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He declared that the nation would continue to raise the voice of the Kashmiri people at every regional and international forum.
The Prime Minister explicitly called upon the international community to urge India to end its human rights violations, reverse the illegal and unilateral measures introduced since August 2019, and repeal the draconian laws imposed upon the Kashmiri people. He stressed the need for a conducive environment to enable peaceful resolution through the exercise of the right to self-determination, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Global Reminder of 2019 Actions
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters. “We solemnly observe this day to remind the world of the grave consequences of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which sought to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, in flagrant violation of international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he stated.
The unified statements from Islamabad underscore a continued diplomatic push to internationalize the Kashmir issue, demanding the restoration of the region’s previous status and the fulfillment of UN resolutions promising self-determination.
