Accession Day Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Kashmiris’ Right to Self-Determination

Kashmir Day was marked across Pakistan on July 19 as President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior leaders reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and called for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions.

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In separate messages issued on Accession to Pakistan Day, President Zardari said the occasion reflects the historic aspirations of the Kashmiri people and highlights the deep historical, cultural and spiritual ties between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the international community to take notice of alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and called on the United Nations to implement its relevant resolutions.

The president said Pakistan would continue extending diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people. He added that lasting peace and prosperity in South Asia depend on a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Accession to Pakistan Day commemorates the resolution adopted by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar on July 19, 1947. He described the resolution as a historic milestone that reflected the political aspirations of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir.

The prime minister said the day symbolizes the enduring relationship between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir through shared history, faith, culture and geography. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination under the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. He also said lasting peace in South Asia requires a peaceful settlement of the dispute that reflects both UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Speaking in Muzaffarabad, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif praised the sacrifices of Kashmiri migrants and described them as a lasting contribution to the cause of freedom. He said the upcoming election carries significance for both the Kashmir cause and the protection of the Kashmiri people.

Khawaja Asif also paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, martyrs and veterans. He said the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir rests on shared sacrifices and remains strong despite ongoing challenges.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also honoured Kashmiri martyrs and Hurriyat leaders, describing the July 19, 1947 resolution as a defining moment in the Kashmir freedom movement. He said the resolution reflected the Kashmiri leadership’s commitment to joining Pakistan before independence.

Naqvi said the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with Kashmiris and praised their resilience. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to determine their own future.