Every year, the fifth of February is observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day to express support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for realization of their right to self-determination. The United Nations Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir affirm the right of the Kashmiri people to decide their future through a fair and impartial plebiscite. However, India has refused to grant this right to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during last 77 years. India is taking different steps to consolidate its occupation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which is an internationally recognized disputed territory. Following its illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August, 2019. India’s is also subjecting the Kashmir people to systematic human rights violations. It has created an environment of fear to crush dissent in IIOJK. The Kashmiri people remain steadfast in their struggle to realize their right to self-determination notwithstanding coercion and intrigue. I pay rich tribute to them for their courage and sacrifices. By denying the Kashmiris their right to self-determination, India has also denied successive generations of people in South Asia the opportunity for a better future. To achieve a lasting peace in the region, Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be resolved in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and as per aspiration of the Kashmiri people. It is time for the international community, especially the United Nations, to live up to their promises and take measures enabling the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise the right of self-determination as enshrined in United Nations, Security Council resolutions. It must also call for a halt to human rights violations and restoration of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan will continue to extend its full moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people’s just struggle for realization of their right to self-determination.
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