MESSAGE OF PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN ON KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY

I solemnly reaffirm the steadfast support of the people and government of Pakistan extended to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their struggle to achieve their inherent right to decide their future through self determination. The committed people of Kashmir have consistently being denied their fundamental right despite the pledge given by the United Nations and incessant efforts of the international community.

I pay glowing tribute to the valiant spirit of the people of Kashmir that has refused to be buckled under intense repressive measures they have faced in the course of more than six decades. The intensity of human right abuses perpetrated against the Kashmiris has elicited international condemnation. It is widely known that the innocent people of Jammu and Kashmir are undergoing worst form of human rights violations at the hands of more than 700,000 Indian security forces. Tens of thousands of Kashmiris have lost their lives, several thousands have gone missing over the years, women have been and continue to be raped and molested by Indian Security Forces. The atrocities have given rise to the painful repercussions where women, whose husbands were forcibly picked up by occupying forces decades ago, are condemned to live the existence of untenable half widows.

I join the entire Pakistani nation in sharing the grief experienced by thousands of Kashmiris widowed and orphaned in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. I was shocked to learn about the 6,000 unmarked mass graves discovered in the Indian occupied Kashmir and point it as a matter of grave concern for the world. I salute the Kashmiris for not letting these atrocities deter them from aspiring for their legitimate right to self determination enshrined in the UN Charter.

I and my government impress upon earlier resolution of the Kashmir issue. I urge the United Nations Secretary General, Members of the UN Security Council, and the international community to play their due role in redressing the plight of the hapless Kashmiri people. I wish to reiterate that Pakistan is committed to a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute on the basis of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions. I firmly believe that only a just resolution of the Kashmir issue can bring lasting peace in South Asia. I am certain that no sham elections conducted under the occupation of 700,000 Indian security forces can replace a free and impartial plebiscite.

I assure the Kashmiri people that the people of Pakistan will never abandon their unflinching support for them. I fervently believe that Pakistani hearts beat with our Kashmiri brethren. I am sure that in not too distant a future the Kashmiri’s will achieve their cherished goal.

February 05, 2015
Islamabad