Pakistan reiterates solidarity with Kashmiris on Black Day

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasised that lasting peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

In their separate messages on Jammu and Kashmir Black Day, they said the government and people of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

It was on this day in 1947 that Indian troops invaded Jammu and Kashmir and occupied it in total violation of the partition plan and against the aspirations of Kashmiri people.

The president, in his message, called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organizations, to take due cognizance of the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In his message, the prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to extend its moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people, and to advocate for their legitimate rights at every national and international forum.

Meanwhile, a rally was taken out on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad today in connection with the Black Day to express solidarity with the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The rally, which started from the Foreign Office, culminated at D-Chowk. People belonging to different walks of life participated in the rally.

Addressing the participants of the rally at D-Chowk, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar assured that Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to its Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their legitimate struggle for right to self-determination.

He said that Pakistan has always raised Jammu and Kashmir dispute at the international forums including the United Nations and the OIC.  He said these efforts are Pakistan’s responsibility, emphasizing that the hearts of Pakistanis and Kashmiris beat together.

Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world are observing Black Day today to draw the world’s attention to the impending catastrophe due to continued illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir by India.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference, in a statement in Srinagar, has urged Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and around the world to observe Black Day today and has appealed for a complete shutdown in the occupied territory.

The leaders of APHC have urged the international community to play its role in settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with Kashmiris’ aspirations and relevant UN resolutions.

ISPR releases special song

In connection with Black Day, Inter-Services Public Relations has released a special song to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

It pays tribute to the steadfastness, hope, freedom struggle, and enduring sacrifices of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The song highlights Indian killings and violence against women and children, as well as the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people.

At the end of the song, Pakistan’s military leadership reiterates its support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle against Indian atrocities.