RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s military leadership on Wednesday reaffirmed its unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), saying the country’s Armed Forces stand firmly behind what they described as the Kashmiris’ legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal, 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 the IIOJK.
Pakistan and the people of Kashmir, around the world, will mark ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ today in protest against the Indian government that illegally annexed occupied Kashmir into two union territories by revoking Article 370 of its constitution on August 5, 2019.
Today marks seven years since India abolished the IIOJK’s independent status. The Modi-led government revoked Article 370, promising economic prosperity and progress after more than three decades of violence that has seen thousands die in the disputed region.
The ISPR statement said Pakistan’s Armed Forces remained steadfast in their support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, describing it as an inalienable right recognised under international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The military leadership also voiced concern over what it described as the continued occupation of the IIOJK by Indian security forces.
It noted that the scenic valley remained under military siege and accused India of committing widespread human rights violations while attempting to alter the region’s demographic composition.
“The continued illegal occupation of the IIOJK by Indian security forces, marked by military siege, rampant human rights violations and attempts to alter the demographic composition of the territory, remains a matter of serious concern,” it said.
“Such actions, coupled with provocative rhetoric and belligerent posturing, serve only to exacerbate regional instability and perpetuate human suffering,” it added.
According to the statement, a durable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
It said any lasting settlement should be in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“The people and Armed Forces of Pakistan pay solemn tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK and reiterate their enduring commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people in their just and rightful struggle for freedom,” it added.
