Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on India to move beyond its - August 5, 2019 - stance and engage in meaningful and productive talks to resolve the longstanding Kashmir dispute.
Addressing a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Kashmir Solidarity Day in Muzaffarabad, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiri people, stressing that dialogue was the only path to peace and the resolution of this decades-old issue.
"Today, on this important day, I stand here with my colleagues to show our solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan," he said.
"This day, February 5, symbolises our unwavering resolve to support the people of Kashmir until they achieve their rightful freedom."
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He also recited a moving poem to reflect the depth of Pakistan's commitment: “It is not just a slogan, it is faith, it is the freedom fighters. Every particle of Kashmir belongs to the people of Kashmir.”
PM Sharif pointed out that the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK) Kashmir had become increasingly volatile, with India continuing to escalate its military presence while the demand for freedom among Kashmiris grew stronger.
He called on India to move away from the mindset that led to the controversial decisions of August 5, 2019, when the region’s special status was revoked, and engage in serious and meaningful dialogue.
"It is in the best interest of the region for India to realize that Kashmiris' yearning for freedom cannot be suppressed by force," the prime minister emphasised.
He warned that India’s aggressive stance would only fuel further unrest, reminding the world that the Kashmir dispute was not just an issue for Pakistan and India but one that had implications for global peace and stability.
"Kashmir is not a part of India, and India must wake up to the reality that its illegal occupation and black laws cannot erase the will of the Kashmiri people," he added.
PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to resolving all disputes, including Kashmir, through peaceful negotiations, and reaffirmed the country's dedication to raising the issue at international forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
"We will continue to support the Kashmiris in every international forum, and we will always raise our voice for their right to self-determination," he stated.
AJK PM says they will never leave Kashmiris alone
Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, also spoke at the session, highlighting Pakistan’s steadfast position on Kashmir. He stressed that the issue of Kashmir remained central to Pakistan’s foreign policy and national agenda.
“We will never leave the Kashmiris alone in their struggle for freedom. Our mission is clear: the completion of Kashmir’s liberation is Pakistan’s unfinished agenda,” he said.
Chaudhry Anwarul Haq also underscored that the region had turned into a war zone under India’s occupation. He reiterated that Pakistan's armed forces were ready to defend the country against any aggression, while also stressing the need for a stable Pakistan to protect the Kashmir cause.
"Kashmir can only be safeguarded by the policies of our leadership and the strength of our military,” he added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Muzaffarabad, accompanied by Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir.
A special contingent of the Azad Kashmir Police saluted the Prime Minister, and the national anthem of Pakistan was played during the solemn ceremony.
During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to meet with leaders of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, further reinforcing Pakistan’s unyielding support for the Kashmiri people's fight for justice and self-determination.
