Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari today addressed the nation on the somber occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal, marking five years since India’s controversial measures in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) began. The president condemned these actions, which he described as a concerted effort to alter the region’s demographic structure and political landscape, violating international laws and United Nations resolutions.
According to Press Information Department, President Zardari detailed the range of India’s actions, including issuing domicile certificates to non-natives, enrolling temporary residents in voters’ lists, redrawing constituency boundaries, and changing land ownership laws, which he stated are in direct violation of the 4th Geneva Convention and UN Security Council resolutions. He highlighted the heavy militarization of the region and the suppression of dissent through the mistreatment of local journalists and human rights defenders.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as recognized by international law. He called on the international community to pressure India to cease its human rights violations in IIOJK and to adhere to UN directives. The president affirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri struggle, both diplomatically and morally.