RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s top military leadership renewed its commitment to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, stressing that lasting peace in South Asia depends on a fair settlement of the Kashmir dispute under United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The message was issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, and the Armed Forces of Pakistan expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK.
Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir Marks Seven Years Since Article 370 Revocation
Pakistan and Kashmiris across the world observe Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir every year on August 5. The day marks India’s 2019 decision to revoke Article 370, which ended the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and divided the territory into two union territories.
This year marks seven years since the move. The Indian government had stated that the constitutional changes would bring economic growth and development to the region after decades of conflict.
Pakistan Armed Forces Reiterate Support for Kashmir Cause
According to the ISPR statement, the Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The statement described this right as inalienable and protected under international law as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The military leadership also expressed concern over the continuing presence of Indian security forces in IIOJK. It stated that the region remains under military restrictions and alleged widespread human rights violations.
The statement further claimed that attempts to alter the demographic composition of the territory continue to raise serious concerns.
It said such actions, along with provocative statements and aggressive policies, increase regional tensions and prolong the suffering of the people living in the disputed territory.
Kashmir Dispute Linked to Regional Peace
The ISPR maintained that sustainable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute. It said any lasting solution should reflect the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and comply with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
On Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, Pakistan’s military leadership also paid tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK. The statement reaffirmed that the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan would continue to stand with the Kashmiri people in what it described as their legitimate struggle for freedom.
