Pakistan on Monday reaffirmed its long-standing support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The occasion marked Right to Self-Determination Day, observed annually on January 5. The day recalls the 1949 United Nations Security Council resolution guaranteeing a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. National leaders stressed that lasting peace in South Asia remains impossible without resolving the dispute.
Leaders Reiterate Commitment to UN Resolutions
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and senior political figures issued separate messages. They emphasized Pakistan’s moral, political, and diplomatic backing for Kashmiris. Moreover, they urged the international community to ensure implementation of UNSC resolutions. Leaders also called for reversing actions taken on August 5, 2019, which altered the region’s status.
President Highlights Human Rights and Water Concerns
President Zardari described the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as deeply alarming. He pointed to restrictions on political activity and freedom of expression. Additionally, he highlighted prolonged detentions and coercive laws. He warned that civilians continue to suffer amid displacement and economic disruption. Furthermore, he raised concerns over control of rivers originating from the region. He said attempts to weaponize water threaten livelihoods, food security, and regional stability.
PM Shehbaz Stresses UNSC as Only Viable Path
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a just Kashmir resolution is essential for durable regional peace. He urged global powers to press India to halt rights violations. He also called for repeal of restrictive laws. Importantly, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to serve as Kashmir’s voice internationally. He said the 1949 UN resolution remains unfulfilled due to continued occupation. Consequently, he noted that decades of suffering have intensified since 2019.
Pakistan Salutes Kashmiri Resilience
The prime minister praised the courage and resilience of Kashmiris. He said coercive measures have failed to suppress their aspirations. Therefore, Pakistan continues to stand firmly with them. He stressed that the will of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken despite sustained pressure.
Bilawal Urges Global Action Beyond Statements
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also issued a strong message of solidarity. He described the day as a reminder of unfulfilled international commitments. He said oppression cannot erase a people’s legitimate demand for dignity. Moreover, he urged the United Nations to move beyond rhetoric. He emphasized that peace in South Asia depends on a settlement reflecting Kashmiri wishes.
A Renewed Diplomatic Message
Collectively, the statements underscored a unified national position. Pakistan reiterated that force cannot resolve the Kashmir dispute. Instead, dialogue and UN-mandated processes remain the only solution. As a result, Islamabad renewed its call for international engagement to uphold justice and stability in the region.
