Islamabad: Today, Kashmiris from both sides of the Line of Control and globally commemorated ‘Accession to Pakistan Day,’ reaffirming their commitment to continue their struggle against Indian occupation and for the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan.

According to Kashmir Media Service announcement issued on 19 July 2024, the observance marks the anniversary of July 19, 1947, when Kashmiri leaders passed a resolution at a meeting in Srinagar, led by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference at Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan’s residence. The resolution favored the accession of the state to Pakistan, citing religious, geographical, cultural, and economic affinities with the country. This pivotal decision was made a month before the official Partition of British India, which led to the formation of Pakistan and India.

The resolution was a clear indication of the Kashmiri people’s desire to align their future with Pakistan, as they anticipated better protection of their political, religious, social, cultural, and economic rights under Pakistani governance rather than under Indian rule, which they feared would be hostile.

Furthermore, a report released today by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service highlights the prolonged struggle of the Kashmiri people, noting that approximately 450,000 Kashmiris have died in their quest for freedom and accession to Pakistan over the past 77 years. The report also detailed ongoing severe repression, including over 96,329 killings by Indian forces since 1989, widespread disappearances, molestations, and the destruction of homes.

The report underscores the extensive human rights violations and calls for international attention to the unresolved Kashmir issue, advocating for a resolution that respects the Kashmiri people’s aspirations as per the historical context and relevant UN resolutions.