World should not turn blind eye to rights abuses in IIOJK, says PM Shehbaz on Black Day
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday urged the world to not “turn a blind eye” to human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir (IIOJK), adding that the “urge for freedom cannot be suppressed for long”.
He made the remarks to mark the anniversary of the valley’s occupation by Indian forces in 1947.
In his message, PM Shehbaz highlighted the significance of the day, saying it was a testament to “Kashmiris’ legendary courage and resilience they have shown in standing up to the Indian occupation forces over the last 75 years”.
“Today, the people of Pakistan pay rich tribute to Kashmiris and vow to keep standing by them in their just struggle,” he said.
“The world should not turn a blind eye to Indian human rights abuses in IIOJK, which is a heavily militarised valley. Urge for freedom cannot be suppressed for long,” he said.
In his message, President Dr Arif Alvi reiterated Pakistan’s call for the immediate reversal of the Indian government’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, which stripped the valley of its special status under the Indian constitution.
The president also urged the international community to take practical steps to hold India accountable for its egregious human rights violations in IIOJK.
He said after building the world’s largest prison, India was now trying to make IIOJK the largest cemetery.
Bilawal urged the world community to play a due role in barring India from violating human rights in the occupied valley.
He also demanded the international community to fulfil its promise of holding a referendum to resolve the issue.
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s continued political, diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
