Islamabad, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has vehemently criticized India’s actions on August 5, 2019, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as a clear breach of international norms, including the United Nations Charter and the 4th Geneva Convention. His statements were made in context of the annual observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, aimed at reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Prime Minister Kakar expressed that the unilateral decisions made by India not only violated established international laws but also sought to change the demographic and political fabric of IIOJK through various illegal measures. He emphasized that the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day serves as a reminder of Pakistan’s unwavering support to the Kashmiri people’s just fight for their right to self-determination and to honor the sacrifices made by Kashmiris over the past seventy-six years.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s stance that a sustainable solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute can only be achieved in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the desires of the Kashmiri population. He assured that Pakistan’s moral, diplomatic, and political backing for this just cause remains steadfast.
Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the continuous efforts by India to suppress the Kashmiri people through means such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and custodial torture. He pointed out that the Indian Supreme Court’s judgment on December 11, 2023, regarding IIOJK’s status, further denies the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, a move he described as an attempt to undermine their genuine aspirations through domestic legislation and judicial decisions.
Furthermore, the caretaker Prime Minister called on India to grant unrestricted access to IIOJK for UN and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) observers, international media, and human rights organizations to independently assess and report on the situation and human rights violations in the region.
This call to action underscores the deep-rooted concern of the Pakistani leadership regarding the ongoing situation in Kashmir and its implications for regional stability and international law. As Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed, Pakistan continues to seek international attention towards resolving the longstanding dispute in a manner that respects the rights and wishes of the Kashmiri people.