PM reaffirms Kashmir as cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy

ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and Pakistan would continue to extend its diplomatic, political and moral support and raise the voice of the Kashmiri people at every regional and international forum.

He said Pakistan called upon the international community to urge India to end its human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reverse its illegal and unilateral measures introduced since August 2019, repeal the draconian laws imposed upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir and create conducive environment to enable the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through the exercise of the right to self-determination by the Kashmiri people in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The prime minister, in a message on the occasion of ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ being observed on 5th August, reiterated that on the day, the people and the Government of Pakistan stood in unwavering solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

“We solemnly observe this day to remind the world of the grave consequences of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which sought to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), in flagrant violation of international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he added.

The prime minister said seven years on, these unlawful measures had neither changed the legal status of Jammu and Kashmir nor diminished the legitimate aspiration of its people.

Instead, they had deepened repression, undermined fundamental freedom, and accelerated attempts to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory through unlawful legislative and administrative measures, he added.

“The continued suppression of the genuine Kashmiri political leadership, restrictions on civil liberties, and curbs on independent media, remain a matter of serious concern,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted him as saying.

Despite these challenges, the prime minister observed that the courage, resilience and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people remained unshaken, adding, their peaceful and just struggle for the realization of their unalienable right to self-determination continued to inspire generations and commanded the respect and support of all those who believe in justice, human dignity and the rule of international law.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further said, “The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the principal unresolved issue affecting peace and stability in South Asia. Lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved by coercion or unilateral action, but only through a peaceful settlement of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.”

He urged the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and play its rightful role in advancing a just and durable resolution of the dispute.