Islamabad: Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, paid rich tribute to the Kashmiri martyrs and said that the Kashmiri people have rendered immense sacrifices over decades in their struggle for fundamental rights and the right to self-determination. He said that these sacrifices would always be remembered with respect and reverence in history. He added that the Kashmiri martyrs wrote an unforgettable chapter of courage and resilience by laying down their lives for the principles of justice, dignity, and human rights.
The Speaker said that Kashmir Martyrs’ Day is observed in remembrance of the tragic incident of July 13, 1931, when unarmed Kashmiris protesting against Dogra rule were subjected to firing outside Srinagar Central Jail, resulting in the martyrdom of 22 Kashmiris. He said that the sacrifices of these martyrs strengthened the resolve of the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of their rights. He added that the day provides an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs and reaffirm commitment to the values of justice, dignity, and human rights. He said that despite facing numerous challenges, the Kashmiri people have demonstrated remarkable courage, determination, and perseverance.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan has consistently supported the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people and has presented its principled stance at national and international forums regarding their fundamental rights and right to self-determination. He said that the Parliament of Pakistan has also played its effective role in this regard by drawing the attention of the international community towards the issue of Jammu and Kashmir through various resolutions. He further stated that the Parliament of Pakistan would continue to contribute towards a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the principles of human rights, justice, and peace.
The Speaker said that the Jammu and Kashmir issue remains a longstanding dispute linked with sustainable peace and stability in South Asia. He stressed that a just and lasting resolution in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is essential. He urged the international community to fulfil its responsibilities, take serious note of the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and play an effective role in ensuring respect for the fundamental rights and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed hope that a day would soon come when the Kashmiri people would live in an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, and stability, and their aspirations for a better future would be realized. He said that the well-being, development, and peace of the Kashmiri people are essential for a brighter future of the region.
On the occasion, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message, said that Kashmir Martyrs’ Day provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the sacrifices, determination, and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people. He said that the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs represent an enduring legacy of courage, resilience, and struggle for justice. He stated that the Kashmiri people have demonstrated unwavering commitment and perseverance in pursuit of their fundamental rights. He further said that the Parliament of Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Kashmiri people and believes that respect for their legitimate aspirations and protection of their fundamental rights are essential for lasting peace and stability in the region.
