Struggle for realization of right to self-determination: Speaker reaffirms commitment to supporting Kashmiri people

ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that August 5 marks the anniversary of India’s 2019 decision to revoke Articles 370 and 35-A of its Constitution, ending the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a move he described as undermining the fundamental rights and distinct identity of the Kashmiri people.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, in his message on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day), reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for the realization of their right to self-determination. He expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for their just cause. He said that Pakistan would continue to raise its voice for the legitimate rights of the people of IIOJK and support their just cause at all regional and international forums.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that the Kashmiri people have rendered unparalleled sacrifices for their fundamental right to self-determination, freedom and preservation of their identity.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq recalled that the state and people of Pakistan, despite all political differences within, had stood firmly as one with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the last 78 years. This unity remained the key strength of the Kashmir struggle, and it was all the more important at the current critical global times to keep the unity among our ranks.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq categorically stated that India’s illegal actions on August 5, 2019 were a blatant violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, adding that Pakistan has consistently rejected these unlawful measures aimed at altering the disputed status of Jammu & Kashmir, changing the demographic composition in IIOJK and undermining the identity of the Kashmiri people.

NA Speaker said that a just resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir Dispute is indispensable for lasting peace, security and stability in South Asia. He further stressed the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq urged the international community to take effective notice of the grave human rights violations in IIOJK, attempts to alter its demographic composition and restrictions imposed on Kashmiri leadership.

Speaker National Assembly said that the Parliament of Pakistan has always supported the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people and has adopted numerous unanimous resolutions condemning human rights violations in IIOJK and drawing the attention of the international community towards the longstanding Kashmir dispute.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq further said that the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir is playing an active role in effectively highlighting the Kashmir issue at the international level and conveying the voice of the Kashmiri people to the international community.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Kashmir Exploitation Day serves as a reminder that the identity, history and legitimate aspirations of a nation cannot be suppressed through force, coercion or illegal measures.

On the occasion, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that Kashmir Exploitation Day reminds the world that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a longstanding and unresolved issue on the agenda of the United Nations. He said that for more than seven decades, the Kashmiri people have demonstrated unparalleled resilience and rendered immense sacrifices in their struggle for their fundamental rights and right to self-determination, which will always be deeply appreciated by the entire Pakistani nation.

NA Deputy Speaker reaffirmed that the Parliament of Pakistan will always stand in unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people and will continue to extend its support until the realization of their right to self-determination.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026