President Urges Global Support for Kashmir’s Right to Self-Determination

Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi emphasized the significance of the right to self-determination, a fundamental principle of international law, in a message on Kashmir Solidarity Day observed on February 5. Regrettably, he noted that the Kashmiri people have been unable to exercise this inherent right, despite the UN General Assembly’s annual resolution expressing unwavering support for such rights for those under foreign occupation.

Expressing concern, President Alvi highlighted the struggles of the people in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for the past seventy-six years. Describing IIOJK as one of the most militarized zones globally, he noted the challenging environment faced by Kashmiris, living in fear and intimidation.

On Kashmir Solidarity Day, President Alvi reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the just and legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people. He condemned the indiscriminate use of force by Indian occupation forces against civilians, along with arbitrary detentions and property confiscation faced by political activists and human rights defenders.

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The president expressed concern about oppressive measures targeting political parties representing the genuine aspirations of Kashmiris, aimed at suppressing dissent in IIOJK. He pointed out India’s efforts, post the illegal actions of August 5, 2019, to engineer demographic and political changes, undermining the Kashmiri people’s rights in their own land.

President Alvi highlighted the Indian Supreme Court’s judgment in December 2023 as another manifestation of India’s attempts to undermine the right to self-determination. He called on India to end human rights violations, reverse unilateral actions, repeal draconian laws, and allow UN-mandated investigations into human rights violations, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

The president affirmed that resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy, pledging continued moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people until the realization of their right to self-determination, as enshrined in UN Security Council resolutions.