Message from Dr. Arif Alvi President Islamic Republic of Pakistan (On the occasion of Kashmiris’ Right to Self-Determination Day)

5th January is commemorated every year as the Right to Self-Determination Day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir reminding the global community that they cannot shy away from their responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). On 5th January 1949, the United Nations Commission on India and Pakistan (UNCIP) adopted the resolution that guarantees a free and fair plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir to enable the Kashmiri people realize their right to self-determination.

The United Nations must honour its commitment which was made 72 years ago. The right to self-determination is a vital component of human dignity. Negation of this right is the negation of human freedom, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and UN Human Rights Covenants. India is the biggest violator of this inalienable human right.

Since 5th August 2019, through continuous illegal and unilateral steps, the Indian government has created an environment of fear and chaos in IIOJK. More than 500 days of military siege and draconian restrictions on fundamental freedoms and rights, including the right to life and health, despite Covid-19 pandemic, have challenged the conscience of international community and India’s credentials of being a respectable member of the comity of nations.

Indian actions have been widely rejected by the international community, the United Nations, and international human rights organizations. The current situation in IIOJK is the worst in recent history where people have been deprived of all basic rights, including rights to freedom of expression and assembly, as well as self-determination. The people of IIOJK are being subjected to collective punishment by Indian occupation forces who have turned the territory into the largest militarized zone in the world and are seeking to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory in violation of international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention.

Pakistan will continue to extend all possible support for the just cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir till the realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Islamabad: January 05, 2021