Islamabad, February 04, 2016: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has stated that Kashmir issue was not just a territorial dispute rather an issue of millions of people of Kashmir who were genuinely struggling for their right of self-determination since 1947. He remarked that peace in South Asian region was not possible when India continued to deny Kashmiris their inherent right and when their peaceful demonstrations were met with Indian high-handedness. He said this in his message at the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day to be commemorated across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on February 5 to express solidarity with the Kashmiri brethren.

Highlighting the Kashmir issue, the Speaker said that the Kashmir dispute was one of the oldest unresolved humanitarian crises and only a just solution could bring lasting peace in the region. Reiterating support for the Kashmiri people, the Speaker remarked that Pakistan strictly adhered to UN Security Council Resolutions on Kashmir to determine the future of Kashmiri people as per their aspirations. The Speaker added that Pakistan’s persistent diplomatic struggle had kept the Kashmir issue on UN top priority agenda. He added that the UN and international community should fulfill its obligation towards the Kashmiri people to ensure peaceful solution to the unfinished agenda through a free and fair plebiscite.  

Referring to Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir, the Speaker remarked that he pulled back Pakistan from hosting 61stCommonwealth Parliamentary Conference when India agitated for extending invitation to Assembly of Indian Occupied Kashmir. The Speaker highlighted that Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir was more important than hosting Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

The Speaker urged the international community to pay heed to the plight of Kashmiri citizens and play a role in peaceful resolution of decades long persistent conflict. He remarked that forceful occupation of Kashmir was against the modern norms of nation state and people’s basic right to self-determination - the right to form government as per people’s aspirations free from foreign interference. 

Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi also reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to provide unflinching moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmir cause at various international forums. He added that a compromise on Kashmir as contrary to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people was unacceptable. 

Appreciating the sacrifices rendered by Kashmiris in their just struggle against the atrocities inflicted upon them, the Deputy Speaker asserted that Pakistan shall always stand with the people of Kashmir to achieve their right to self determination.