Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination, in line with United Nations resolutions. He expressed this commitment during a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, conducted via video link.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A by the Indian government on this day in 2019 illegally stripped Kashmir of its special status and initiated unauthorized settlements, severely impacting the Kashmiri populace. He assured continued diplomatic, political, and moral support for Kashmir’s independence movement.

Sharif also criticized the ongoing human rights violations by Indian forces in Kashmir, which he said have persisted for seventy-seven years but have not dampened the Kashmiri spirit for self-determination. He lauded the resilience and leadership of the Kashmiris under Indian occupation and praised the political leaders of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for their advocacy efforts.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister connected the situation in Kashmir with broader regional issues, condemning recent actions by Israel in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinians, including the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the arrest of the Imam of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli forces.