Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again called on India to engage in meaningful negotiations to resolve the long-standing Kashmir dispute, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people. His remarks came during his address to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly on Kashmir Solidarity Day, where he emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmir’s self-determination and condemned India’s actions in the region. Sharif also urged the international community to push for a peaceful resolution in line with UN resolutions, stressing that Pakistan’s quest for peace should never be seen as a sign of weakness
On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a strong address to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly, emphasizing Pakistan’s firm stance on the Kashmir issue. Sharif called on India to initiate meaningful negotiations aimed at resolving the Kashmir dispute, which has been a source of tension for decades.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to standing in solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their quest for self-determination and condemned India’s human rights violations in the region, including extrajudicial killings, the imprisonment of Kashmiri leaders, and the forced demographic changes aimed at altering the region’s Muslim majority. Sharif reminded the assembly that Kashmir has always been regarded as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan, a position solidified under the leadership of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Prime Minister also appealed to the international community, urging nations and organizations that advocate for peace to pressure India to allow Kashmiris to exercise their right to determine their future, in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He stressed that Pakistan’s pursuit of peace should not be misunderstood as a sign of weakness, citing the country’s nuclear capabilities as a strong deterrent.
In his message, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan would never remain silent while Kashmiris continue to suffer, stating that the country would continue to offer full support for Kashmir’s right to self-determination. He also highlighted Pakistan’s long-term commitment to the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as an integral part of Pakistan’s future.
The statement was made during the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, which is marked every year on February 5 to show support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for freedom. This day saw rallies, human chains, and solidarity events organized across Pakistan and in the region of IIOJK. A minute of silence was observed at 10 am across Pakistan to honor the Kashmiri martyrs, with sirens sounding throughout the country.
In his message, former President Asif Ali Zardari also urged the international community to fulfill its obligations regarding the Kashmir dispute, calling on the United Nations to implement its promises made nearly 78 years ago about the region’s right to self-determination.
Pakistan remains committed to supporting the Kashmiris in their fight for justice, with calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in line with the will of the Kashmiri people and international law.
