ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has once again expressed Pakistan’s strong moral, diplomatic, and political support for the people of Kashmir. He said their right to self-determination remains fundamental and is guaranteed under United Nations Security Council resolutions.
In his message for Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed on February 5, the President stated that Pakistan stands firmly with Kashmiris in their long struggle. He added that people across Pakistan and abroad share the same commitment to their cause.
The President recalled that Kashmir Solidarity Day was launched 36 years ago by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. It followed the 1989 uprising in Kashmir. He said this movement continues despite decades of hardship.
President Zardari noted that the Kashmiri people have faced nearly 80 years of what he called illegal occupation. He said they have made great sacrifices to protect their basic rights and freedoms.
The President expressed concern over the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said the actions taken by India on August 5, 2019, made conditions worse. These steps included administrative and legal changes that limited local rights.
He said India continues to strengthen its control through strict laws. According to the President, media freedoms are restricted, political leaders are detained, and demographic changes are being attempted.
The President also referred to reports by international organizations. These reports highlight human rights violations. He mentioned arbitrary arrests, collective punishments, and house demolitions.
He added that digital restrictions remain a serious issue. Thousands of social media accounts have been blocked. He said this is an effort to hide realities on the ground.
The President also raised concerns over the profiling of mosques in the region. He said such actions threaten religious freedom and create fear among the Muslim population.
President Zardari warned that recent military tensions in May 2025 showed how fragile peace in South Asia remains. He stressed that stability is not possible without resolving the Kashmir dispute.
He urged the international community to take stronger action. He called for pressure on India to end rights violations and allow access to human rights observers.
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Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, the President said the country will continue its support. He said Kashmiris must be allowed to decide their future through a fair and free plebiscite.
