Islamabad, January 5, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmir as Kashmiris globally observe the Right to Self-Determination Day. The occasion marks the anniversary of the historic January 5, 1949, United Nations resolution that promised Kashmiris a free and impartial plebiscite to determine their future.
In their messages, both leaders condemned India’s continued denial of Kashmiris’ rights and its post-August 5, 2019, actions aimed at altering the demographic and political landscape of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They called for global intervention to halt human rights violations and ensure the implementation of UN resolutions.
President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s full political, diplomatic, and moral backing for Kashmiris in their quest for self-determination. He urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfill its obligations by facilitating the promised plebiscite.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the urgency of addressing the plight of Kashmiris, criticizing India’s illegal steps to consolidate its occupation. He stressed that self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law and that denying this right violates global norms.
Meanwhile, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) called for rallies, seminars, and conferences worldwide to remind the UN of its unfulfilled promise to resolve the Kashmir dispute. In IIOJK, posters appeared urging international action, some displaying Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir and highlighting Kashmiris’ trust in Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a special session of the Legislative Assembly is being held to draw attention to India’s human rights abuses. In Muzaffarabad, rallies organized by Pasban-e-Hurriyat and other groups will march towards the UN Observer Mission Office, demanding justice and implementation of UN resolutions.
The day serves as a powerful reminder of Kashmiris’ unyielding struggle for freedom and the international community’s responsibility to support their inalienable right to self-determination.
