MIRPUR (Kashmir English): President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has called upon the world community to play a crucial role in granting Kashmiris their right to self-determination, as guaranteed by the United Nations (UN) resolutions.
Addressing a ceremony in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day, the President condemned India’s “imperialistic presence” and “expansionist designs” in the region.
He condemned India’s August 2019 decision abrogating Articles 370 and 35A of the constitution, terming it a “clear violation” of the UN resolutions.
The AJK President also accused India of sponsoring terrorism worldwide, citing the evidence presented by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the murder of a Sikh leader in Canada.
He praised the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir for their resilience in the face of Indian state terrorism and atrocities, and reiterated his government’s full support for their struggle for self-determination. Chaudhry also slammed human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and urged the world community to intervene to stop the bloodshed.
Kashmir Solidarity Day
Earlier in the day, Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the Hurriyat leaders of Pakistan’s moral, diplomatic, and political support for the struggle of Kashmiri people.
He reiterated that the Kashmir issue was a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy and will continue to be so till its resolution.
Talking to a delegation of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), the PM said the sacrifices of Kashmiris for the right to self-determination will not go in vain.
Sharif emphasized the urgent need for the world community to take action against Indian aggression and human rights violations in the occupied Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions. He said resolution of the issue in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people was essential for a lasting peace in South Asia.
