ISLAMABAD, Aug 05 (APP):Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Wednesday said India had turned Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) into an “open prison”, where Kashmiri youth were being arrested and subjected to torture while the people were being deprived of their fundamental rights. Addressing a gathering in Islamabad to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, the federal minister strongly condemned India’s actions in IIOJK and paid tribute …
India turns IIOJK into ‘open prison, but Kashmir remains a ‘living struggle’ for self-determination: Tariq Fazal
ISLAMABAD, Aug 05 (APP):Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Wednesday said India had turned Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) into an “open prison”, where Kashmiri youth were being arrested and subjected to torture while the people were being deprived of their fundamental rights.
Addressing a gathering in Islamabad to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, the federal minister strongly condemned India’s actions in IIOJK and paid tribute to the sacrifices and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people.
He said August 5 was being observed as a black day across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and by Pakistanis and Kashmiris around the world.
Tariq Fazal said India had unilaterally revoked Articles 370 and 35-A on August 5, 2019, abolishing the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, an action which, he said, remained unacceptable to Pakistan.
He said India had not stopped at revoking the special status but had subsequently initiated measures aimed at changing the demographic composition of IIOJK.
The minister alleged that outsiders were being facilitated through domicile and property rights in an attempt to alter the Muslim-majority character of the occupied territory.
Describing the situation in IIOJK, Tariq Fazal said Kashmiri youth were being arrested, tortured and killed, while prisons were filled with Kashmiris and the people were being denied rights enjoyed by citizens in any civilized society.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs and particularly lauded the courage and steadfastness of their mothers and families.
Tariq Fazal said Pakistan’s position on Kashmir transcended governments and political affiliations, as the entire nation remained united on the Kashmir cause.
He said a just and lasting settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute could only be achieved by granting the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and their aspirations.
The minister reaffirmed that every citizen and institution of Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people and would continue supporting their struggle until they secured their right to self-determination.
He also appreciated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for highlighting the Kashmir cause at international forums and presenting Pakistan’s position before the international community.
Referring to the recent Marka-e-Haq, Tariq Fazal paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying their professional capabilities had demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve and ability to defend the country.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan would continue highlighting the Kashmir dispute at every relevant international forum.
Kashmir is not merely a region or a piece of land; Kashmir is a living struggle, a trust and a pledge, Tariq Fazal said.
He assured the Kashmiri people that Pakistan’s men, women, youth and elderly stood with them and would continue raising their voice until the people of IIOJK achieved their right to self-determination.
