ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (APP):Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, saying a just and lasting settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with their aspirations and United Nations resolutions was essential for peace in South Asia.
In his message on Kashmir Black Day, he said October 27 marked one of the darkest days in history, when India occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He said India continued to suppress the voices and legitimate right to self-determination of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) through the use of force.
The minister said serious human rights violations in the occupied territory remained a persistent challenge to the conscience of the international community.
He added that Indian oppression, coercion and imprisonment had failed to weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people.
Leghari said India’s unilateral actions on August 5, 2019, were aimed at changing the geographical and demographic character of the occupied territory and constituted a violation of international law.
He stressed that sustainable peace in South Asia was closely linked to a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The minister urged the international community to play a practical role in ending human rights violations in the occupied territory and ensuring that the Kashmiri people could exercise their right to self-determination.
He said the government and people of Pakistan stood firmly with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and would continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support until they achieved their legitimate right to self-determination.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
