ISLAMABAD: On Jammu and Kashmir Black Day, President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the historical significance of October 27, 1947, when Indian forces arrived in Srinagar, marking the onset of conflict in the region. He called for the recognition of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari addressed the long-standing challenges faced by the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who have experienced violence and repression for nearly eight decades. The president underscored concerns about ongoing restrictions on fundamental freedoms and reports of human rights violations, which have intensified since India’s 2019 actions altering the region’s constitutional status.

President Zardari urged the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to acknowledge the human rights situation in IIOJK and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s aspirations on international platforms.

In his message, President Zardari paid tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people and expressed solidarity, stating that Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for their pursuit of justice and self-determination. He expressed hope for a future where the people of Jammu and Kashmir can determine their own destiny in alignment with their aspirations.