MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi Khan on Saturday called for national unity, strengthening institutions, and sustainable development in AJK while reaffirming support to the Kashmiri people for their struggle for self-determination.
He was addressing the main ceremony marking the 79th Foundation Day of AJK at Parade Ground in Muzaffarabad.
Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani, government ministers, members of the Legislative Assembly, senior military officers, government secretaries, political leaders and people from different walks of life attended the ceremony.
President Najeeb hoisted the national flag alongside the prime minister and received a salute from police personnel.
He also inspected the parade featuring contingents of the AJK Police, Rangers Police, Women Police, commandos, Traffic Police, Rescue 1122, Girl Guides, Civil Defence and Boy Scouts.
On this occasion, students presented Kashmiri national songs, paying tribute to the great freedom-loving people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The President also awarded awards to people with outstanding achievements in various fields of life.
At the outset of his speech, the President extended greetings to the people of AJK, Kashmiris in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and those living around the world and paid tribute to martyrs, freedom fighters and founders of Azad Kashmir who laid down their lives.
“Today is not just a memorable day in our history, but it symbolises sacrifice, determination, courage and unparalleled struggle of our ancestors for freedom, dignity and self-determination,” he said.
He urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfil its responsibilities and play an effective role in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
Najeeb Khan said lasting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia depended on a just settlement of the Kashmir issue. He also expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan, as well as its political forces, for their continued political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people.
He expressed gratitude to the government, political leadership, and the people of Pakistan for standing alongside Kashmiris in every difficult hour.
Highlighting development priorities, the president said AJK had significant potential in natural resources, tourism and human capital. He stressed the need to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment, tourism, environmental protection and public welfare.
He described young people as the region’s most valuable asset and called for quality education, modern skills and dignified employment opportunities. He also emphasised the importance of protecting women’s dignity, security and access to education and development.
The president urged the government to protect forests, rivers and other natural resources while pursuing sustainable development.
“Our priority should be an Azad Kashmir where there is rule of law, justice is equal for all, merit is respected, and every citizen has equal development opportunities,” he expressed.
He said the rule of law, constitutional supremacy, merit, strong institutions and public service were essential for a stable and prosperous society. He called on political leaders and state institutions to rise above political differences and prioritise the interests and welfare of the people.
“As the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, I firmly believe that national unity, supremacy of the Constitution and law, strong institutions and public service are the foundation of a stable and prosperous society,” he maintained.
Najeeb Khan also appealed to scholars, teachers, youth, civil society and people from all walks of life to contribute to making AJK a model of peace, tolerance, justice and development.
Reaffirming his commitment to the Kashmir cause, he said the people would continue to honour the sacrifices of their martyrs, protect their institutions and work towards a secure and prosperous future.
“We will cherish our freedom, strengthen our institutions, protect the rights of our people and lay the foundation for a better, safer and more prosperous future for our future generations.”
He added that “our destination is peace, our path is the path of principles and justice, and our struggle will continue until the Kashmiri people achieve their legitimate and recognised right to self-determination”.
“We all pledge together to transcend personal interests and dedicate all our energies to the honor of the state, the service of the people, and the bright future of Kashmir. May Allah Almighty grant peace, unity, stability, and prosperity to our homeland, elevate the ranks of our martyrs, and grant the Kashmiri people the destination of freedom, justice, and a dignified future,” Naqi concluded.
