Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir: Message from Dr. Arif Alvi (President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan)

TEXT: Today marks one year since India undertook illegal and unilateral actions in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) in a bid to alter its internationally recognized disputed status and change its demographic structure.

What has followed is the worst human rights situation in the history of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute with twelve months of uninterrupted and brutal military siegeand crackdown. Media blockades, extrajudicial killings in fake 'encounters', and restrictions on fundamental freedoms have been used to try to break the will of the Kashmiri people, while Indian attempts to change their distinct identity continue unabated.

Through its illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 and illegitimate domicile laws, India is in direct contravention of the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention.

The world community has denounced the illegal Indian actions and the worst human rights violations in IIOJK. India stands exposed before the international community as its 'Hindutva' agenda continues to unfold and usurp the fundamental rights of the Kashmiris and political and religious freedoms of the minorities.

Pakistan expects that the Jammu & Kashmir dispute will get the focus it merits from the international community. Pakistan will continue to raise the issue of Jammu & Kashmir at every available forum until the Kashmiri people get their legitimate right to self-determination as recognized by the United Nations Security Council Resolutions and as per the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020