MUZAFFARABAD, Oct 24 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President, Dr. Muhammad Najeeb Khan, has called upon the international community, especially the United Nations, to discharge its legal and moral responsibilities vis-à-vis the settlement of the long-standing Kashmir dispute.
Addressing the main function of the AJK’s 79th Foundation Day here Saturday, the president said that it was high time that the UN should come forward in a big way to help Kashmiris secure their right to self-determination guaranteed to them by no less an authority than the United Nations.Highlighting the dangerous dimensions of the deadly conflict, the president said that peace and stability in South Asia was inescapably linked to a just settlement of the Kashmir issue. He thanked Pakistan for its consistent support of the Kashmir cause, saying that the government and people of Pakistan have always offered their unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people despite facing a myriad of challenges. Extending his heartfelt felicitations to the Kashmiri people living on both sides of the Line of Control, he said that 24 October stands out as a testament to our ancestors’ struggle and sacrifices that culminated in the shape of Azad Kashmir.
The President, however, stated that “while taking pride in our history, we must also realize our future responsibilities with full seriousness.” Recalling the sacrifices of the Kashmiri martyrs who laid down their lives for the noble cause, he said, “Today we pay tribute to our martyrs, freedom fighters, and founders of Azad Kashmir who offered their blood and sweat to achieve the greater cause.” Referring to the AJK government’s constitutional role regarding the liberation of Indian-occupied Kashmir, the president said, “The Foundation Day also reminds us that the basic objective of our struggle is yet to be accomplished.” Stressing the need for fulfilling the legal and moral responsibilities towards the Kashmiris’ ongoing freedom movement against India, he said, “We must not lose sight of our responsibilities towards their relentless struggle for the right to self-determination.” Commending the Kashmiri people’s sacrifices and their resilience in the face of Indian state terrorism, the president said that despite using all means of suppression, India has failed to break their political resolve. Underscoring the AJK’s untapped potential across different sectors, the president said that the region, blessed with natural beauty and water resources, offers huge investment opportunities. “Building a society based on the rule of law, justice for all, merit, and equal opportunities for all must be our foremost priority,” he remarked. “Improvement in the sectors of education, health, infrastructure, employment, tourism, environment, and public welfare is our collective responsibility,” he maintained.
Describing youth as a valuable asset, the president stressed providing them with quality education, modern skills, and dignified employment opportunities.On women’s role in the society, he said, “Our women are playing a fundamental role in the development of society.” Calling for a broad-based unity, the president said that national unity, constitutional supremacy, and adherence to the rule of law form the bedrock of a stable and prosperous society. “We must be united on national interests, state dignity, and the welfare of the people,” he added. On the occasion, the president urged all the stakeholders, including political leadership, scholars, teachers, youth, and civil society, to play their much-needed role in the development and prosperity of the region.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
