TEXT: 5 August marks a year of Indian Government's illegal actions regarding the status of Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, followed by continuous curfew in the entire occupied valley and unleashing an unprecedented reign of terror on innocent Kashmiris by the brutal Indian forces. Pakistan rejects India's unilateral announcement of Jammu & Kashmir's annexation which is in violation of the UN Charter as well as the UN Security Council resolutions. Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory. Pakistan has called upon the world community to take notice of India's unlawful actions and play its role for the just resolution of the Kashmir issue according to the UN resolutions. The international community needs to realize that India's illegitimate action portends catastrophic consequences for the region and the world. Pakistan Army and the nation stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) who are struggling for their inalienable right to self-determination. We salute the valiant and courageous men, women and youth who have risen against the illegal act, defied the perpetual curfew and laid down lives for the sacred cause of freedom.

Pakistan Army is vigilant in the face of Indian provocations on the Line of Control. Indian army's unprovoked shelling on civilian population in AJK is aimed at diverting world attention from India's year-long illegal actions in IIOJK. We are aware of the enemy's overt and covert designs and will not hesitate from going to any extent in the defence of motherland. This resolve was reiterated in the recently held Corps Commanders' Conference that took special note of the continued atrocities in IIOJK. Pakistan's quest for peace must not be misconstrued as weakness. Our operational readiness and cognizance to the evolving threat spectrum in the context of external and internal security of the country are effective as well as comprehensive and we are fully prepared to meet any kind of eventuality.

Time is not far when the sacrifices of the people of IIOJK will culminate in the realization of their destiny. India may suppress voices of Kashmiris for a while, but it cannot silence them, nor can it stop Pakistan from its unrelenting support to the Kashmir cause, whatever the cost. We, on this day, reaffirm that we are one and inseparable, united and tied through unbreakable bond of religious, historical and geographical linkages. Together as a nation we stand with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and nothing shall stop us till the people of IIOJK achieve their freedom.

Pakistan Army Zindabad

Pakistan Paindabad

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020