Pakistan reaffirms steadfast support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination
Kabul: Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts remain steadfast and unwavering in supporting the Kashmiri people’s legitimate and principled demand for the right to self-determination, a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy.
According to Kashmir Media Service, these views were expressed by Ambassador Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani while addressing the Youm-e-Istehsal ceremony held at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul.
He said Pakistan continues to stand resolute in its commitment to securing this fundamental right for the people of Kashmir. He said India’s illegal actions in Kashmir over the past six years have laid bare what he described as its expansionist and imperialist mindset.
Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani added that India’s support for proxy terrorists and its continued hostile actions against Pakistan are aimed at undermining Pakistan’s resolve on the Kashmir issue. However, he said, the Pakistani nation and its armed forces stand shoulder to shoulder in countering what he termed India’s nefarious designs in Kashmir and South Asia.
On the occasion, messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar were also read out.
A one-minute silence was also observed during the ceremony to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Meanwhile, a conference marking the anniversary of India’s revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A concluded in Dallas, Texas, with a resolution calling for a peaceful and lasting settlement of the Kashmir issue in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.
The event was organised by Friends of Kashmir and attended by members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, representatives of Sikhs for Justice and community leaders. Pakistan’s Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, attended as chief guest, while Friends of Kashmir Chairperson Ghazala Habib presided over the conference.
Speakers expressed solidarity with the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and raised concerns over the situation there following India’s 2019 decision to revoke the region’s special constitutional status.
Addressing the gathering, Aftab Chaudhry said Pakistan would continue extending diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of IIOJK. He said India’s revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A had further complicated the situation in the disputed region.Ghazala Habib called for greater international attention to the concerns of the Kashmiri people. She said the Kashmiri and Sikh communities shared common experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting one another in advocating for justice and human rights.
Other speakers, including Aftab Siddiqui, Syed Fayaz Hasan, Ghulam Jahangra and Dr Fareeha Qazi, urged the international community to play a more active role in pursuing a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
