Islamabad, In remembrance of the 76th year since India’s occupation of significant portions of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, the Caretaker Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has issued a message highlighting the ongoing issues faced by the Kashmiri population.
According to a news release by the Press International Department, the origins of the Kashmir conflict date back to 27 October 1947, when Indian troops first landed in what is referred to as the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The subsequent seven-plus decades have witnessed varied attempts by India to sustain its rule over the region. Especially since 5 August 2019, the Caretaker Prime Minister emphasizes an intensified campaign by India to solidify its grip, which includes steps such as adjusting electoral boundaries, adding non-Kashmiris to voting lists, issuing domicile certifications to outsiders, and enacting new land and property laws.
Such actions, the message further stresses, go against both the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention. Mr. Kakar paints a grim picture of the current situation in the IIOJK, describing it as one of the world’s most heavily militarized zones. Arbitrary detentions, media blackouts, and censorship are prevalent, all while numerous Kashmiri civilians have tragically lost their lives over the past thirty years.
Yet, the resilience of the Kashmiri people remains undeterred. The Prime Minister’s message suggests that recent events in the Middle East underscore the importance of addressing longstanding disputes for sustainable peace. The international community, and in particular the United Nations, is urged not to shy away from its obligations but to facilitate a fair plebiscite as was promised to the Kashmiris. The call concludes with a strong urge to India to reverse its 5th August 2019 decisions, cease human rights violations, and comply with the relevant UN resolutions.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering support, Mr. Kakar reassures the Kashmiris that Pakistan remains steadfastly by their side, providing moral, diplomatic, and political backing in their pursuit of the right to self-determination.