President reaffirms unwavering solidarity with people of IIOJK on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir

ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir and paid tribute to their courage, resilience and commitment to their just struggle for the realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination.

“Seven years have passed since India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which sought to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir in violation of international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions,” the president said in a message on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir.

He said these actions could not change the legal status of the dispute, nor could they weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people.

For seven years, the President said millions of Kashmiris had continued to live under severe restrictions that had affected every aspect of daily life. “Families have endured uncertainty, young people have seen their opportunities constrained and entire communities have continued to bear the burden of prolonged conflict and instability. Despite these hardships, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice and their legitimate right to determine their own future.”

President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan remained unwavering in its moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of IIOJK. “We will continue to raise our voice at every international forum until the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”

He highlighted that a just and lasting peace in South Asia was closely linked to the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. “I urge the international community, particularly the United Nations, to play its role in addressing the grave human rights situation in IIOJK and in advancing a just and peaceful settlement of this longstanding dispute.”

“To my Kashmiri brothers and sisters, I say: Pakistan stands firmly with you. Your courage in the face of adversity inspires us. You are not alone. The people of Pakistan will continue to stand by you until your legitimate right to self-determination is realised,” the president said and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the people of Jammu and Kashmir strength, patience and steadfastness, and bless them with justice and lasting peace.