Bishkek, In a recent statement, Raja Pervez Ashraf, the Speaker of the National Assembly and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, stressed that resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Organization (UNO) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is pivotal to achieving regional peace. He further lamented the situation that transpired in Kashmir on October 27, 1947, marking it as a significant moment in the region’s history.
According to a news release by the National Assembly of Pakistan, Ashraf delineated the Kashmir issue as an “incomplete agenda of subcontinent division.” He emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to providing political, diplomatic, and moral support to Kashmir. He additionally highlighted Pakistan’s continuous efforts to raise awareness about the Kashmir issue at regional and international forums.
Recalling the events of October 27, 1947, Ashraf described it as a dark day when the Indian Army allegedly violated the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and initiated an offensive in Kashmir. He accused the Indian forces of committing unparalleled atrocities in the region, labeling their actions over the past seven decades as “state terrorism.” The Speaker referred to the graves in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, accusing India of turning the region into a “graveyard for the Kashmiri people.” He further criticized India for purportedly breaching international laws by altering the geographical status of Occupied Kashmir on August 5, 2019, and described the region post this date as “the world’s largest open prison” for Kashmiris.
In his remarks, Ashraf paid homage to the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of self-determination. He particularly honored notable figures of the Azadi Kashmir movement, including Syed Ali Geelani, Maqbool Butt, Burhan Wani, Yasin Malik, and other Hurriyat leaders. The Speaker commended their resilience and stated that their efforts would be etched in history.
Drawing a parallel with Palestine, Ashraf claimed that both India and Israel are perpetrating war crimes in Kashmir and Palestine, respectively. He called upon the UNO to recognize the purported human rights infringements in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine and urged it to intervene in resolving the issues of both territories.