MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called on India to engage in meaningful and decisive negotiations to resolve the Kashmir dispute while reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people.
Addressing a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly on Kashmir Solidarity Day, PM Shehbaz expressed solidarity on behalf of Pakistan’s 240 million people with their Kashmiri brethren.
He paid tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir’s struggle, emphasizing that February 5 serves as a renewal of Pakistan’s commitment to their cause.
The premier condemned India’s increasing military presence in the region, asserting that the spirit of freedom among Kashmiris continues to grow despite oppression.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brothers in this struggle and will continue to do so until they secure their right to self-determination,” he said.
The prime minister stressed that February 5 is a reminder to India that Kashmir can never be a part of it.
Referring to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s declaration that “Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein,” he emphasized that the region’s status must be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the will of its people.
He urged India to abandon its August 5, 2019 mindset, which saw the revocation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
“India must realise that spilling the blood of Kashmiris will not resolve the issue. History remembers those responsible for oppression,” PM Shehbaz warned.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan, as a nuclear-armed nation, will continue advocating for Kashmiris on all international platforms, including the UN and OIC.
Special Activities on Kashmir Solidarity Day
Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day with various activities across the country.
Posters and billboards highlighting the plight of Kashmiris have been placed at key locations, including airports and railway stations.
Human chains will be formed at Mangla, Kohala, Bararkot, Azad Pattan, and Holar, symbolising unity between Pakistan and AJK. A special function at Mangla Bridge in Mirpur is planned, along with similar events in Kotli and Bhimber districts.
“Kashmir is an Unfinished Part of Pakistan’s Agenda”
AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq also addressed the session, asserting that Pakistan’s support for Kashmir has never wavered and never will.
“Kashmir remains an unfinished part of Pakistan’s agenda, and fulfilling this mission is our top priority,” he declared.
He reaffirmed that the people of AJK are Pakistanis by choice and share a deep connection with the country.
Haq acknowledged PM Shehbaz’s commitment to resolving AJK’s issues and praised Pakistan’s leadership and armed forces for their crucial role in protecting Kashmir.
Highlighting the economic challenges, he said that despite hardships, the federal government is prioritising the provision of affordable electricity and flour.
Taking a jibe at India, he remarked that even Modi’s predecessors failed to provide electricity to Indian-occupied Kashmir at current rates.
He further condemned India’s imposition of a “puppet” administration in IIOJK, stating that only the people of Kashmir have the right to decide their future.
“A stable, strong, and prosperous Pakistan is the key to the success of the Kashmiri freedom movement,” he concluded.
