ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, is essential for ensuring the rights of the Kashmiri people and lasting peace in the region.

In his message on Kashmir Accession Day, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan remains firmly committed to extending diplomatic, political, and moral support to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Highlighting the significance of the day, he said, “Kashmir Accession Day is observed annually on July 19 in remembrance of the historic 1947 session of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference held in Srinagar.”

He said, “On that day, the brave people of Kashmir passed a resolution to accede to Pakistan for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.”

He said, “The story of the unending sacrifices of Kashmiris that began in 1947 is not only continuing today, but the brutality and oppression of one million Indian troops have failed to break the resolve of Kashmiris and with the passage of time, the spirit of freedom of Kashmiris has strengthened.”

“Today, like their ancestors the third generation of Kashmiris is also determined to achieve their right to self-determination,” he remarked.

The prime minister said, “The decades-long struggle of the brave Kashmiris against illegal occupation shows their patriotism and genuine desire for freedom.”