Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday marked Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, describing July 13 as a historic day of truth, sacrifice, and steadfastness, and paid tribute to the 22 Kashmiris who were killed during the 1931 uprising against Dogra rule.
In a statement, Naqvi said the 22 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in protest against the oppression of the Dogra regime remained a symbol of courage and resistance. He said the martyrs of July 13, 1931, gave new direction to the struggle for justice and truth through their sacrifice.
The interior minister said the memory of those who lost their lives while the call to prayer was being made continued to inspire the resilience, determination, and perseverance of the Kashmiri people. He added that their sacrifices continued to strengthen the struggle for the right to self-determination.
Naqvi also expressed concern over the situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that prolonged restrictions, arrests, and human rights violations reflected what he described as India’s repressive policies in the region.
He said India’s “illegal and unconstitutional measures” had turned the valley into what he termed “the world’s largest prison,” where, according to him, fundamental freedoms had been denied.
Calling on the international community and global human rights organizations to take notice of the situation, Naqvi urged them to play their role in safeguarding the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that a durable and just resolution of the Kashmir dispute could only be achieved in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Kashmir, Naqvi said the country would continue to stand by the Kashmiri people and raise their cause at every international forum until what he described as the realization of their freedom.
