News
‘Pakistan committed to its principled stance on Kashmir’APP
ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain said on Tuesday that Pakistan remains committed to its principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir.
“The observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5 every year is a reaffirmation of our moral, political and diplomatic support for our Kashmiri brethren in their just struggle for fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the relevant UN resolutions,” the president said in his message on the occasion of Kashmir Day.
On this day, the president added, the people of Pakistan pay tribute to the valiant struggle of Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have rendered huge sacrifices in the quest for realising their inalienable right of self-determination.
The peaceful, indigenous and widespread uprising of the Kashmiri people has clearly demonstrated that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be wished away, he said.
The president said the issue of Jammu and Kashmir till date remains an unfulfilled agenda of the United Nations and calls for reiteration of support by the international community to the people of Kashmir in their struggle for a just cause.
“Today, while paying homage to the memory of thousands of Kashmiri martyrs who have laid down their lives for a legitimate cause, we express solidarity with the Kashmiri brethren and salute their sacrifices and determination in holding high the banner of freedom to defend their dignity and honour,” the president said.
Separately, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiris is a sine qua non for lasting peace in South Asia.
In his message on Kashmir Day, the prime minister said Pakistan was committed to the resolution of all outstanding disputes with India, including Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue.
“We invite India to engage in a comprehensive, sustained and result-oriented dialogue process”, he added.
The prime minister also urged the international community to play its due role in securing for Kashmiris their right to self-determination. He said the government and the people of Pakistan are observing Kashmir Solidarity Day, adding, “This is an occasion to reiterate our firm support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their legitimate struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination.”
“On this day we reaffirm our resolve to stand by our brothers and sisters in their valiant struggle for their just cause. Not only the right to self-determination is being denied to them but they are also being subjected to the worst kind of human rights abuses and suppression,” he added.
The prime minister said thousands of Kashmiris have lost their lives and thousands more are languishing in Indian jails, adding, however, atrocities and humiliations have not deterred them from a cause cased on their legitimate aspiration of their right to self- determination as enshrined in the UN Charter and UNSC resolutions.
The prime minister said Pakistan would continue playing its constructive role towards peaceful solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, I reaffirm Pakistan’s firm commitment to a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the protection of their fundamental rights,” he said.
“We will always stand by our Kashmiri brethren until the realisation of their right to self determination,” the prime minister said.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk