Pakistan reaffirms backing for Kashmiris as Accession to Pakistan Day observed

Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world observed Accession to Pakistan Day on Sunday, renewing their commitment to continue their struggle for the liberation of Jammu and Kashmir from Indian rule and the fulfilment of the resolution adopted on 19 July 1947 calling for the region's accession to Pakistan.

According to the Kashmir Media Service, the historic resolution was unanimously adopted on 19 July 1947 during a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference held at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in the Aabi Guzar area of Srinagar. The resolution called for the accession of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan.

Hurriyat organisations, in separate messages issued to mark the occasion, appealed to the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to protect the people of Kashmir from what they described as Indian state repression. They also urged both organisations to play a more effective role in securing a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.

In separate messages marking the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic, political and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

The two leaders said the day commemorates the historic resolution adopted by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar on 19 July 1947, which expressed the desire of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to Pakistan and called upon the Dogra rulers to respect the will of the people.

They said the occasion also reflects the long-standing historical, cultural and spiritual ties between the people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. They noted that the Kashmir dispute has remained unresolved despite relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions recognising the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own future.

The President and the Prime Minister expressed concern over what they described as the continued denial of that right and ongoing human rights violations in Indian-illegally-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. They reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful and just resolution of the dispute.

Both leaders called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfil its responsibilities by supporting the implementation of the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. They said a lasting resolution of the dispute remains important for regional peace and stability and paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people, acknowledging the sacrifices they have made in pursuit of their aspirations.

Mohsin Naqvi honours Kashmiri martyrs and Hurriyat leadership

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has paid tribute to the people of Kashmir on the occasion of Accession to Pakistan Day, honouring the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs and Hurriyat leaders and reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with their cause.

In a message issued to mark the day, Naqvi saluted those who, he said, had kept the flame of freedom alive through their sacrifices. He paid tribute to all Kashmiri martyrs and Hurriyat leaders, acknowledging their commitment and resilience.

The interior minister described the resolution adopted on 19 July 1947 as a true reflection of the collective aspirations of the Kashmiri people and a significant milestone in their freedom movement. 

He said the historic resolution demonstrated the unwavering desire of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for accession to Pakistan.

Naqvi said the significance of the resolution continues to resonate, describing it as an enduring symbol of the Kashmiri people's commitment to their political aspirations.

Reporter: Awais Kiani