Muzaffarabad, Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, in a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people and condemned the recent Indian Supreme Court verdict on Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, PM Kakar called for the permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He urged India to reverse its illegal actions of August 5, 2019, and to stop changing the demography of the disputed territory. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for India to halt human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), repeal draconian laws, withdraw troops, and provide access to UN bodies and international media.
The Prime Minister, being the first-ever caretaker Prime Minister to address the AJK Legislative Assembly, paid tribute to the martyrs of the Kashmir freedom movement and those suffering due to Indian ceasefire violations. He stated, “Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein,” highlighting the deep connection between Pakistan and Kashmir.
PM Kakar asserted that the Kashmir issue remains a crucial part of Pakistan’s foreign policy and emphasized the unity of Pakistani leadership in supporting the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He criticized the Indian government for its attempts to consolidate its occupation of Kashmir through legislative and administrative measures.
The Prime Minister also pointed out the irony of India’s claim to be the ‘world’s largest democracy’ in light of its human rights abuses in Kashmir. He called for international attention to the contradictions in India’s actions, particularly in relation to its aspirations for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
PM Kakar lamented the suffering of Kashmiris under Indian rule, citing thousands of killings, forced disappearances, injuries from pellet guns, and other human rights violations. He questioned the international community’s silence over these issues and India’s fear of Kashmiri leaders like Syed Ali Gilani and Yasin Malik.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peaceful relations with India but emphasized that peace must come with justice. He criticized India’s belligerent statements regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and interests.
The session, chaired by AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, was attended by AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Assembly members.