On Monday, Pakistan’s leaders strongly condemned India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir as the country observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir. This day marks five years since India took illegal actions to strengthen its control over the region.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and military leaders joined together to voice their disapproval. They emphasized that for over 70 years, Kashmiris have been waiting for the United Nations to uphold its promises. They called on the international community to pressure India to stop human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and to follow UN resolutions.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support the Kashmiri people in their fight for self-determination, as stated in UN resolutions. He noted that August 5th marks the fifth anniversary of India’s actions to tighten its grip on Jammu and Kashmir.
“Five years ago, India took steps that disregarded the disputed status of the region,” he said. “Since then, India has been trying to change the demographic and political landscape of IIOJK. This includes giving domicile certificates to outsiders, altering voter lists, redrawing constituencies, and changing property laws.”
President Zardari said these actions violate UN Security Council resolutions and international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention. He criticized India’s disregard for international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, pledging Pakistan’s continued support for the Kashmiri people. “Today reminds us of the severe consequences of India’s actions on August 5, 2019,” he said. “India wants to convince the world that Jammu and Kashmir is part of its territory, but international law and the situation on the ground prove otherwise.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses in IIOJK, including the harassment of journalists and human rights defenders, arbitrary detentions, and oppressive military operations.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), service chiefs, and the Pakistan Armed Forces also expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK. They condemned the human rights violations by Indian forces and stressed the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute for lasting peace in the region.
President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, called August 5th the darkest day in Kashmir’s history. He said India’s actions were a blatant violation of UN resolutions and aimed at changing the political status of the region. He condemned the increased brutality and state repression by India since August 5, 2019.
The Pakistani leadership reiterated their call for the international community to act and ensure that India respects human rights and UN resolutions in Kashmir.
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