Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stated its unyielding support for the Kashmiri people in their quest for self-determination, underscoring the nation’s commitment amidst the backdrop of longstanding tensions in the region.

According to a news release by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch conveyed these sentiments during an exclusive conversation with Radio Pakistan Correspondent Ahsan Sheikh in Islamabad. Baloch noted the passage of seventy-six years since what she described as the “illegal occupation” of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She elaborated on the alleged severe treatment of Kashmiri residents by Indian forces.

Baloch firmly expressed that the entirety of Pakistan’s populace stands in solidarity with Kashmiris in their pursuit of self-determination. Responding to queries about India’s revocation of Article 370 and the unilateral actions taken on 5 August 2019, she described these as attempts to quell the voices of Kashmiri people.

Furthermore, the Spokesperson highlighted actions by New Delhi, asserting that instead of providing the Kashmiri population their right to self-determination, key Kashmiri leaders have been incarcerated. Baloch criticized India’s resettlement strategy in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting that it is aimed at transforming the demographic balance, an action she noted is rejected by both the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.