Muzaffarabad – On Kashmir Solidarity Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on India to move beyond its controversial stance taken on August 5, 2019, and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the long-standing Kashmir dispute. Addressing a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people and emphasized that dialogue is the only path to lasting peace.
“Today, on this important day, I stand here with my colleagues to show our solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan,” Prime Minister Sharif said. He emphasized that February 5 symbolized Pakistan’s steadfast resolve to stand with Kashmiris until they achieve their rightful freedom.
The Prime Minister also recited a poignant poem, highlighting Pakistan’s deep commitment: “It is not just a slogan, it is faith, it is the freedom fighters. Every particle of Kashmir belongs to the people of Kashmir.”
PM Shehbaz further pointed out the growing instability in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where India’s military presence continues to escalate while Kashmiris’ demand for freedom grows stronger. He urged India to move away from the mindset that led to the revocation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019 and engage in genuine dialogue.
Read More: ‘Without any doubt Kashmir will be part of Pakistan as per the free will’: COAS
“It is in the best interest of the region for India to realize that Kashmiris’ yearning for freedom cannot be suppressed by force,” he stated, warning that India’s aggressive approach would only fuel more unrest. He reminded the international community that the Kashmir dispute had far-reaching implications for global peace and stability.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Kashmir is not a part of India, stressing that India’s illegal occupation and oppressive laws could never erase the will of the Kashmiri people.
PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to resolving all disputes, including Kashmir, through peaceful negotiations and vowed to continue raising the issue at international forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“We will continue to support the Kashmiris in every international forum, and we will always raise our voice for their right to self-determination,” he affirmed.
In his address, the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, echoed the same sentiment, stating that the issue of Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy. “We will never leave the Kashmiris alone in their struggle for freedom,” he declared, adding that the liberation of Kashmir is Pakistan’s unfinished agenda.
Chaudhry Anwarul Haq also condemned India’s occupation of Kashmir, calling the region a war zone under Indian rule. He assured that Pakistan’s armed forces are prepared to defend the country and emphasized the importance of a stable Pakistan in safeguarding the Kashmir cause.
During his visit to Muzaffarabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial, accompanied by Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir. A special contingent of the Azad Kashmir Police saluted the Prime Minister as the national anthem of Pakistan was played during the solemn ceremony.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to meet with leaders of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference during his visit to further reinforce Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for justice and self-determination.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.