Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Tuesday urged the international community to play its appropriate role for alleviating the sufferings of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and promote respect for their basic rights.

In a message for Jammu and Kashmir Black Day, he said significant and sustained international engagement is vital for peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir problem.

On this sad occasion of Jammu & Kashmir Black Day, we remember with profound regret the events of 27 October 1947 when Indian soldiers landed in Srinagar, opening a long and tragic chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. “Almost eight decades later, the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) continue to suffer the consequences of an unresolved dispute and continue to be denied their inalienable right of self-determination, as affirmed in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” the message said.

He emphasised that the people of IIOJK have faced enormous hardships for decades, including limits on basic freedoms, human rights concerns and great pain.
In the face of these challenges, they have displayed unshakeable commitment, courage and resilience. Generations of Kashmiris have made sacrifices, demonstrating their unwavering will for justice, peace and the freedom to choose their own future.

Dar said that the UN Security Council has passed several resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, providing for peaceful settlement according to the will of the people.

Pakistan has always stressed that these resolutions are crucial to the resolution of the dispute and has highlighted the essential function of the international community in ensuring a just, peaceful and permanent resolution to this long-standing issue.

The human rights situation in IIOJK has gained more international attention following India’s unilateral measures of 5 August 2019. The subsequent legislative and administrative actions, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, demographic and political changes and the continued detention of Kashmiri political leaders and activists in the occupied territory have further deepened the sense of insecurity and alienation among the people. These events have also created major problems under international law and applicable international humanitarian and human rights norms.

The international community, including various United Nations bodies and human rights organisations, has highlighted concerns about the treatment of civilians and the larger human rights situation in IIOJK. These challenges highlight the necessity for continuing international attention and engagement.

“However, the people of IIOJK are undeterred by such adversity. Their ongoing fight for their basic rights is a reminder that the ambitions of a people cannot be extinguished by force or tyranny. “Their sacrifices and quest for dignity and self-determination deserve the serious attention of the international community,” the message said.

Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of IIOJK.

We will continue to raise their voice in every appropriate international venue and urge for a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir problem’, he added.