ANKARA, February 4: The people of Pakistan and freedom loving people around the world will observe the 5th of February as “Kashmir Solidarity Day.”

 The President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari in his message said: “Kashmir Solidarity Day is an occasion to pay tribute to the countless sacrifices of the valiant people of Kashmir who have remained resolute and steadfast in the face of oppression spanning more than six decades. We reiterate our unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support to the just struggle of our Kashmiri brethren to safeguard their fundamental rights including the right to self determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions.

 Pakistan would continue to pursue a resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on the wishes of the Kashmiri people. To that end, we believe that Kashmiris should be associated with the Dialogue process. We are in no doubt that ultimately, Kashmiris would be the final arbiter of their destiny.”

 

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in his message reiterated the support of Government and people for the oppressed people of Kashmir. He said, “The entire world knows that the Kashmiris are engaged in a peaceful struggle for their right to self-determination, which the international community promised in the form of UN resolutions.

 India had assured the world in the United Nations that it would give people of Kashmir an opportunity to decide their future, but it never fulfilled its promise. Kashmir, once dubbed as ‘paradise on earth,’ presents a picture of a garrison-state where the Indian security forces have let loose the forces of oppression and atrocities. The unarmed people of Kashmir have chronicled a glorious chapter in the annals of human history by rendering immense sacrifices for their just cause.

 The international community must take note of the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir and speak out in defence of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiris. We regard the Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s dictum as our ideal wherein he said that ‘Kashmir is our jugular vein.’ The day is not far when the Kashmiris would determine their own future.”

 ENDS