Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day

People across Pakistan are observing Kashmir Solidarity Day on Monday to express their wholehearted support for the struggle of their Kashmiri brothers and sisters against human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs in a statement said that all arrangements have been made to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day at home and abroad in a befitting manner.

In this regard, solidarity walks are being organised across the country and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, a rally was also held in Islamabad in solidarity with the Kashmiri people on Constitution Avenue.

A minute of silence was also observed at 9:30am to pay homage to the martyrs of Kashmir.

President Dr Arif Alvi in his message said that the right to self-determination is a cardinal principle of international law but regrettably, the Kashmiri people have not been able to exercise this inalienable right.

“The UN General Assembly annually adopts a resolution expressing unequivocal support for the realisation of the right to self-determination for people under foreign occupation,” the president said.

“Today, IIOJK is one of the most militarised zones in the world. Kashmiris are living in an environment of fear and intimidation.”

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said: “India has muzzled the media and incarcerated the Kashmiri leadership and human rights defenders. These excesses have been well-documented by several human rights organisations and international media outlets. India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, in IIOJK were a blatant violation of international law including the UN Charter, Fourth Geneva Convention, and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”

“Pakistan will continue to extend its unstinted moral, diplomatic and political support for this just cause,” added PM Kakar.

Moreover, Pakistan Armed Forces, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and services chiefs have also paid rich tributes to the people of Kashmir.

“Kashmir remains a long pending unresolved issue on the UN agenda since 1948,” said a message released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on the Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The armed forces, CJCSC and the services chiefs maintained the issue had to be resolved as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and in accordance with the UN Resolutions, providing for their right to self-determination.