Message from H.E. Dr. Arif Alvi President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, 5th February, 2019)

5^th February offers an opportunity to pay tribute to the unparalleled commitment of the Kashmiris for the attainment of the legitimate right to
self-determination. On this Day, the Government of Pakistan and its people demonstrate to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and the world-at-large that we have not forgotten the long pending dispute of Jammu and Kashmir; and the struggle of the people of the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK) against woeful Indian occupation.

Behind its false narrative of “killing militants”, India has been trying to justify its terrorism, but has failed miserably. The indifference of the international community to these grave human rights atrocities by India raises doubts in the minds of the Kashmiris hinting at a double standard where every atrocity goes unpunished and every human rights violation uncondemned. It reduces the United Nations Human Rights Charter to mere verbal rhetoric.

The Report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights is a turning point and a watershed moment for the Kashmiri community all over the world. Pakistan supports proposals contained in the Report and calls for the expedited establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to look into the human rights situation in IoK as per the recommendations of the report.

We reassure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that we will remain consistent in our principled position on Kashmir. The entire Pakistani nation stands with its Kashmiri brethren in their valiant struggle to achieve the legitimate right to self-determination. It is our firm belief that the Kashmiris will succeed in their struggle.