Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar both issued statements on the occasion of Right to Self-Determination Day, expressing concern over human rights violations and emphasizing the need for international intervention in the Kashmir issue.
FM Jilani called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations, to honor their commitments and take necessary measures to facilitate the people of Jammu and Kashmir in exercising their right to self-determination, as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions. He highlighted the historical significance of January 5th, commemorating the adoption of a resolution by the UN Commission for India and Pakistan in 1949, guaranteeing a free and fair plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jilani accused India of taking illegal actions to solidify its occupation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including demographic and political changes. He pointed out that the Kashmiri people have been denied the opportunity to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, and Pakistan would continue to provide unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support to their cause.
Similarly, PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s just struggle, emphasizing their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions. He expressed disappointment that, despite more than seven decades, the people of IIOJK have not been able to exercise this fundamental right due to continued oppression by India. Kakar accused India of attempting to alter the demographic and political landscape of IIOJK, suppressing the will of the Kashmiri people.
Both leaders called attention to the annual UN General Assembly resolution affirming the universal realization of the right to self-determination, urging the international community, especially the UN, to ensure the people of IIOJK can exercise this inalienable right. They condemned India’s human rights violations and expressed concern about recent legal decisions that further undermine the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
