Shah Mahmood Qureshi Marks Kashmiris’ Right To Self-determination Day With A Strong Worded Message

Today, marks the 72nd anniversary of the United Nations’ commitment pledging that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute would be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices.

Through this resolution, the United Nations had affirmed its support for the realization of the inalienable right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people – a right from which all other fundamental freedoms and basic human rights emanate.

It goes without saying that the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council, bears the responsibility to ensure the fulfilment of the promise of granting the right to self-determination to the Kashmiris.

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More than seven decades later, Kashmiris are not only continue to await the promised plebiscite but they also remain stranded under Indian occupation with their most fundamental rights to life and dignity being routinely violated.

Post 5 August 2019, India’s unabated oppression has reached unprecedented levels with the inhuman military siege now in place for over 500 days.

The situation demands all the more attention in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has inevitably added to the woes of the Kashmiri people.

India continues with the undemocratic and inhumane siege of the occupied territory despite a strong rejection of its actions by the international community.

In his message to the global community, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged world leaders to continue their support for the fundamental freedoms and basic human rights of Kashmiris.

Qureshi asked the global community to urge India to allow the UN to investigate the grave human rights violations in IIOJK. “India must allow United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) unhindered access to carry out its duties in IIOJK. If India has nothing to hide, why does it not allow international media and civil society to visit and report on the human rights situation in IIOJK?” demanded the Foreign Minister in his message.

“Let me reaffirm Pakistan’s strong and steadfast support to the valiant Kashmiri people in their just struggle for human dignity and their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions,” concluded the message.