Islamabad: The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, marked Kashmir Solidarity Day with a call for global intervention to address the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir. Highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Kashmiri people, the minister condemned the actions of Indian forces and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Kashmiris seeking self-determination.

According to a statement by Press Information Department, the minister emphasized the severe impact on civilians, citing enforced disappearances, unlawful killings, and restrictions on food, medicine, and education. He described Kashmir as an “open-air jail” and criticized the international community’s inaction in the face of these allegations.

Shaikh referenced international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which affirm the right to self-determination. He urged the United Nations and global leaders to take concrete steps to address what he termed as human rights abuses and the illegal occupation in Kashmir.

The minister concluded by reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people, vowing that their sacrifices would not be forgotten and calling for their plight to be recognized on the world stage.