On the third anniversary of Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s death, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the iconic Kashmiri leader, recognizing his lifelong struggle for the rights of the oppressed people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Geelani, who passed away on September 1, 2021, after a prolonged house arrest in Srinagar, is remembered for his resolute advocacy for Kashmiri self-determination. His famous declaration, “We are Kashmiris and Pakistan is our country,” continues to inspire millions.
In his tribute, President Zardari praised Geelani as a symbol of hope and resistance. “His tireless efforts and sacrifices for the just cause of the Kashmiri people will forever be etched in our hearts and minds,” Zardari stated. He highlighted Geelani’s enduring commitment to self-determination despite facing house arrests and incarcerations. “His spirit remained unbroken, and his mission unwavering,” Zardari added, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for IIOJK’s right to self-determination as outlined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also honored Geelani’s legacy, emphasizing Pakistan’s ongoing moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people. “Geelani’s name will always be remembered and respected in the struggle for IIOJK’s freedom,” Sharif said. He commended Geelani’s steadfast faith in the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and reaffirmed that the struggle for this cause would persist.