ISLAMABAD
Kashmir Solidarity Day was being observed across country on Saturday to express whole-hearted support of Pakistani nation to the just struggle of Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination.
Solidarity walks were being organized in Islamabad, Muzafarabad, Gilgit and in four provincial headquarters.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said Saturday that peaceful solution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute is crucial for long-lasting peace and stability of whole region.
In his message on Kashmir Solidarity day, the Prime Minister said that Pakistani nation was observing this day in support of right of self determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Situation of human rights violations is worse in Jammu and Kashmir after India’s illegal step [to revoke articles 370 and 35-A]” the prime minister said in his statement.
Prime Minister said that Indian occupying forces are using brutal force against innocent Kashmiris, while youth has been targeted specifically during this heinous drive. He said that thousands of Kashmiris have been martyred by Indian forces during past two and a half years.
The premier termed Indian forces’ atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir as a matter of concern for the whole international community. India never left a positive reply to Pakistan’s sincere efforts for regional peace and stability, he added.
On the other hand, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa said Saturday that time has come for a peaceful solution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with wished and will of people of the occupied valley.
Military’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) released Army Chief’s message on Kashmir Solidarity day Saturday.
According to ISPR, the COAS said that we salute people of Kashmir on their continuous freedom struggle. He said that time has come to solve Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per the aspirations of Kashmiri people and resolution of the United Nations (UN).
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) president Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry said on this occasion that people of Jammu and Kashmir were subjected to Indian forces’ brutalities and world must take notice of worsened human rights situation in IIOJK. He said that people of Pakistan were standing by Kashmiris’ side. He added that struggle for liberty of Kashmir would go till last.
In another move, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written a letter to President of the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary General, apprising them about the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In his letter, the Foreign Minister underscored that all illegal and unilateral measures imposed by India in IIOJK on 5th August, 2019 including attempts to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory, constitute flagrant violations of international law including the UN charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions as well as the 4th Geneva Convention.
The Foreign Minister’s letter also reaffirmed that Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all its neighbours including India. He however said a just settlement of Kashmir dispute is essential for durable peace and stability in South Asia.
Federal Minister for Planning and development Asad Umar said that right to self-determination is the basic human right of Kashmiris. Pakistan stands with Kashmir cause with sheer faith and determination. He said that India’s current ‘Hindutva’ inspired leadership brought intensity in human rights’ violations against IIOJK people.
