President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination on Accession to Pakistan Day, while calling for the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said the day represents the historic aspirations of the Kashmiri people and reflects the deep historical, cultural and spiritual bonds between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that Kashmiris must be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination and urged the international community to take notice of the alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The president also called on the United Nations to implement its relevant resolutions, reaffirming that Pakistan would continue to provide diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Kashmir. He added that lasting peace and stability in South Asia depend on a fair and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Accession to Pakistan Day, observed every year on July 19, commemorates the historic resolution unanimously passed by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar on July 19, 1947. He said the resolution reflected the collective political will of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir and remains a landmark in the Kashmiri struggle.
The prime minister said the occasion symbolizes the enduring relationship between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, built on shared history, faith, culture, geography and mutual affinity. Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiris’ inalienable right to self-determination under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, he said sustainable peace in South Asia is only possible through a peaceful settlement of the dispute in line with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Speaking to party workers in LA-36 Jammu-3 in Muzaffarabad, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the sacrifices made by Kashmiri migrants hold immense value and have played a significant role in securing the freedom enjoyed today. He described the upcoming election as one closely linked to the Kashmir cause and the protection of the rights of the Kashmiri people.
He said the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir is rooted in sacrifice, paid tribute to the country’s armed forces, martyrs and veterans, and remarked that Pakistan’s bond with Kashmir has continued despite the challenges faced since the historic commitment made 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 represented the collective aspirations of the Kashmiri people and became a milestone in their freedom movement. He said the resolution demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the Kashmiri leadership to join Pakistan even before independence.Naqvi said the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Kashmiri brothers, praised their courage and resilience 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 will continue to extend its unconditional and principled support for their right to self-determination.
