By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan called on India on Monday to move from “dispute denial to dispute resolution” and seek a peaceful solution to the Kashmir conflict, as the region marked five years since New Delhi revoked its special autonomy.
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saluted the “indomitable courage” of Kashmiris, saying India’s coercive methods had failed to diminish their desire for self-determination.
“History has proven that durable peace in South Asia hinges on resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” Sharif said. “India must move from denial to resolution for lasting peace and security.”
Pakistan observed Youm-i-Istehsal (Exploitation Day) on Monday, condemning India’s 2019 move to repeal Article 370 of its constitution, revoking Kashmir’s special autonomy.
The premier reiterated that the country would continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until the realization of their right to self-determination.
“We salute the indomitable courage of the Kashmiri people that has enabled them to withstand every Indian attempt to subjugate them,” Sharif said. “There is no doubt that India’s coercive methods have failed to diminish their yearning for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.”
Sharif urged the international community to press New Delhi to halt human rights violations in Kashmir, reverse unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, and implement the United Nations Security Council resolutions on the territory.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar challenged India to hold a plebiscite in Indian-controlled Kashmir “immediately” to prove its claims of being a democratic country. “Such tricks and moves cannot counter the sentiments and bravery of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters,” he said at a solidarity walk in Islamabad.
“Pakistan will take every step politically, culturally, and diplomatically which will be necessary for our Kashmiri brothers and sisters,” Dar added.
The Kashmir dispute has sparked multiple wars between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India, who accuse each other of stoking militancy and espionage. Pakistan reiterated its support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, suspending bilateral trade and downgrading diplomatic ties with India after its 2019 move.
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