Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast diplomatic, political, and moral backing for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the country’s continued commitment to their right to self-determination.
In his message commemorating Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day, the prime minister highlighted the historic resolution passed by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference during its Srinagar session on July 19, 1947. This unanimous resolution represented the collective political will of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir at a critical juncture in the subcontinent’s history, expressing their aspiration for the state to join Pakistan and urging the Dogra rulers to honor the people’s wishes.
Shehbaz Sharif described the resolution as a significant milestone in the ongoing political struggle of the Jammu and Kashmir people. He noted that the occasion also symbolizes the deep-rooted connections between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, grounded in shared history, faith, culture, geography, and enduring relationships. Most importantly, it highlights the necessity of respecting the freely expressed will of the Kashmiri population.
Reiterating Pakistan’s long-held stance, the prime minister affirmed that the country remains unwavering in its principled support for the inalienable right of Jammu and Kashmir’s people to self-determination, as outlined in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
He further emphasized that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir conflict continues to impact regional peace and security significantly. Achieving lasting peace in South Asia, he stated, depends on a peaceful resolution of the dispute in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In a significant development, Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the bravery, resilience, and steadfastness of those living in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He assured that Pakistan would persist in providing unwavering diplomatic, political, and moral support until the Kashmiri people can fully exercise their fundamental right to self-determination.