PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms Pakistan’s support for Kashmiris on Youm-e-Istehsal

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal, saying Pakistan would continue to support the Kashmiri people at regional and international forums.

In his message issued on Youm-e-Istehsal, observed on August 5, the prime minister said Pakistan and its people stand in unwavering solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

He said the day serves as a reminder to the world of the consequences of India’s actions of August 5, 2019, which Pakistan describes as illegal and unilateral measures aimed at changing the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said such measures had neither altered the legal status of Jammu and Kashmir nor weakened the aspirations of its people.

He said the situation had instead led to increased restrictions on fundamental freedoms, suppression of political voices and attempts to change the demographic composition of the disputed territory through legislative and administrative measures.

The prime minister expressed concern over restrictions on civil liberties, limitations on independent media and actions against Kashmiri political leadership.

He said despite challenges, the courage, resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people remained strong, adding that their peaceful struggle for the right to self-determination continued to inspire generations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the main unresolved issue affecting peace and stability in South Asia.

He stressed that lasting peace in the region could not be achieved through coercion or unilateral steps, but only through a peaceful resolution of the dispute according to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The prime minister urged the international community to move beyond statements of concern and play its role in promoting a just and lasting settlement of the dispute.

Read More: Pakistan reaffirms commitment to interfaith harmony and minority rights

He reiterated that the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would continue extending diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people and highlight their concerns at all regional and international platforms.

He also called upon the international community to urge India to end alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, reverse measures introduced since August 2019 and create conditions for a peaceful resolution of the dispute through the exercise of the right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.