On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, addressed a ceremony highlighting the challenges facing social development in the occupied territories, particularly Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Iftikhar referred to the Global Summit on Social Development held last year, stressing that a large population in the occupied territories continues to live under extremely difficult conditions. He said that education, healthcare, and social life have been severely affected due to prolonged restrictions and instability.
The Pakistani envoy demanded that United Nations resolutions and international human rights obligations be respected in the occupied territories. He emphasized that the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people must be upheld in accordance with UN resolutions.
Ambassador Iftikhar stated that the unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, had further worsened the situation in IIOJK. He expressed serious concern over reports of extrajudicial killings, continuous lockdowns, and curfews imposed in the region.
He added that prolonged restrictions have forced educational institutions to remain closed, while curfews have badly damaged tourism and other economic sectors, pushing large segments of the population into distress.
Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said that the international community must take urgent notice of the deteriorating humanitarian and social conditions in the occupied territories and ensure accountability for human rights violations.
