Islamabad :- Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, in his message on the occasion of the Kashmiris’ Right to Self-Determination Day, stated that January 5, 1949, is a historic day when the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan formally recognized the inalienable and fundamental right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future.
The Chairman Senate emphasized that this United Nations resolution forms the foundation of the international status of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which is why the issue continues to remain on the agenda of the global community. Since seven decades India continues to deny the Kashmiri people their internationally recognized right to self-determination.
He further stated that India is pursuing systematic efforts to alter the demographic composition of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) with the aim of erasing the Kashmiri identity—actions that constitute a blatant violation of international law and fundamental human values. The unilateral and illegal measures taken by India on August 5, 2019, he added, severely undermined the spirit of United Nations resolutions and further destabilized the region.
Chairman Senate noted that the presence of over one million Indian troops in occupied Kashmir and the ongoing repression clearly reflect the grave human rights violations taking place in the territory. He said that through daily acts of brutality, attempts are being made to silence the legitimate voice of the Kashmiri people; however, their courage and struggle remain steadfast.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance, Chairman Senate reiterated that the Government of Pakistan has always supported a just, durable, and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, in accordance with the United Nations resolutions of January 5, 1949, and in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and play an effective role in ensuring that the Kashmiri people are granted their promised right to self-determination.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
