Islamabad (Pakistan News): Kashmiris around the world, including those in Pakistan, are observing the Right to Self-Determination Day today. Despite severe cold, a torch-bearing rally was held at Azadi Chowk in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, to protest against Indian atrocities.
On January 5, 1949, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution supporting the Kashmiri people, granting them the right to decide their own future. However, India continues to deny basic rights to people in occupied Kashmir. The annual observance aims to remind the international community of its responsibility toward the Kashmir issue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the occasion, stated that UN resolutions recognize the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, and the UN Commission for India and Pakistan had passed a historic resolution. According to the resolution, the future of the state of Jammu and Kashmir was to be decided through a free and impartial plebiscite. However, this promise has not been fulfilled due to India’s illegal occupation.
He further added that for eight decades, the people of occupied Kashmir have faced atrocities by Indian forces, but India’s oppressive measures have failed to weaken the determination of the Kashmiri people.
