Human rights situation in occupied Kashmir is crucial: President, PM

Islamabad: On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan issued their respective messages.

President Asif Ali Zardari said in his message that the human rights situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir is serious, India is depriving Kashmiris of their fundamental rights and freedoms.

He stated that India is subjecting the Kashmiri people to severe state oppression and violence. The United Nations should respect the promises made to Kashmiris 77 years ago. Pakistan will always stand with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

Asif Ali Zardari added that he will continue to provide moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmiris.

Prime Minister

On the other hand, in his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Kashmiris are living in an atmosphere of fear and terror, and the long-standing conflicts should not be prolonged any further.

He stated that lasting peace cannot be achieved by suppressing the genuine aspirations of the local people. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute will remain an important pillar of our foreign policy. In the interest of lasting peace in South Asia, the international community should urge India to allow the Kashmiri people to freely decide their future.

Shahbaz Sharif further said that on this occasion, he saluted the determination and courage of the brave Kashmiri people, who are making countless sacrifices in their struggle to achieve their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Federal Interior Minister

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in his message that every child of Pakistan stands with the defenseless Kashmiri people. The Pakistani nation expresses complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan and it supports the struggle for the legitimate rights of its Kashmiri brothers at every forum.

He stated that India's illegal occupation is an obstacle in the path to freedom of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan wants a solution to the Kashmir issue through the United Nations. The Pakistani government and people will continue to provide political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris. Pakistan will always be a voice of the Kashmiris and be a part of their struggle.

Mohsin Naqvi added that the Kashmiris have the right to decide their future. The Kashmir issue is not only the issue of the Kashmiris but of the entire region. Without a solution to the Kashmir issue, the dream of lasting peace in the region cannot become a reality.