On 27 October 1947, India sent its forces to occupy large parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir observe this day as a ‘Black Day’.
Over last 77 years, the Kashmiri people have remained steadfast in their struggle to realize their right to self-determination despite persistent coercion and intrigue. Even today, they are demonstrating exemplary resilience and poise in the face of oppression. These courageous and brave people deserve admiration for standing firm against India’s continued onslaught.
India cannot absolve itself of its reprehensible human rights record in IIOJK. It has no right to label the Kashmiri people’s just struggle as ‘terrorism’. It must improve the human rights situation in IIOJK and release all the political prisoners.
Jammu and Kashmir is the core dispute between India and Pakistan. Its peaceful settlement, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and as per aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is indispensable for lasting peace in the region. India must fulfill its obligations under the UN Security Council resolutions and honor the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by its erstwhile leaders.
This day, we stand united with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their valiant struggle to achieve their fundamental rights and freedoms. We once again assure them of Pakistan’s continued moral, diplomatic and political support in their struggle for realization of their legitimate right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
EMBARGOED: NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE 27 OCTOBER 2024
