ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership has strongly condemned India’s illegal actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as the country observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir on Tuesday, marking six years since New Delhi revoked Article 370 of its Constitution.
In separate statements, the Prime Minister, President, and Armed Forces of Pakistan reiterated their commitment to the just cause of Kashmiris and called upon the international community to pressure India into reversing its unilateral decisions and complying with United Nations resolutions.
PM Shehbaz: Kashmir Resolution a Core Foreign Policy Pillar
In a powerful message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the just resolution of the Kashmir dispute remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity” with the Kashmiri people and condemned India’s illegal actions of August 5, 2019, which aimed to alter the region’s demographic and political structure.
“India’s brutal occupation, state terrorism, and draconian laws cannot suppress the spirit of freedom. The Kashmiri people’s resilience in the face of oppression is an inspiration for all peace-loving people,” the premier said.
He also highlighted the need for global efforts to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions and called for the repeal of repressive Indian laws in the region.
President Zardari: India Attempting Demographic Engineering
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said Youm-e-Istehsal is a reminder of India’s efforts to forcibly change the identity of the region. He condemned India’s bifurcation of IIOJK into union territories as an attempt to undermine its internationally recognized status and to rob Kashmiris of their right to self-determination.
Zardari pointed out that since 2019, Indian authorities have aggressively pursued demographic changes by issuing domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris, manipulating electoral constituencies, and altering land ownership laws, in violation of international law.
“Lasting peace in South Asia will remain a distant dream without the resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” he asserted.
Armed Forces Reiterate Full Support for Kashmiris
In a joint statement, the Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, along with the Chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, expressed firm support for Kashmiris’ struggle for freedom. The military condemned India’s ongoing military siege, widespread human rights violations, and demographic engineering in IIOJK.
“India’s belligerent actions and rhetoric are a threat to regional peace and global stability,” read the statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military leadership paid homage to the martyrs of IIOJK and reaffirmed their pledge to stand by the Kashmiri people until they achieve their legitimate right to self-determination.
