Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that India must revoke all actions deemed illegal that were initiated on August 5, 2019, terminate its oppressive measures in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and lift the media blackout in the region. He made these remarks while addressing a rally organized in connection with Youm-e-Istehsal, which proceeded from the Foreign Office to D-Chowk in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to providing diplomatic, political, and moral support to the Kashmiri people until they achieve their inalienable right to self-determination. He highlighted that Kashmir is recognized internationally as a disputed territory, and its future cannot be decided through internal legislation or court rulings.
Ishaq Dar voiced concerns over media reports indicating that Indian authorities might be planning to grant statehood to Jammu while maintaining the Kashmir Valley as a Union Territory. He condemned these actions as unacceptable and provocative. The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s belief in peaceful coexistence, clarifying that their commitment to peace should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness. He affirmed Islamabad’s desire for amicable relations with neighboring countries and a preference for dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation. However, he cautioned that Pakistan’s armed forces and its citizens are fully prepared to deliver a decisive response to any acts of aggression, as demonstrated during Marka-e-Haq.
In his address to the rally, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar declared that Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan, and they stand resolutely with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. He expressed confidence that the day will come when Kashmiris will be granted their right to self-determination to decide their future.
The Minister for Information reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue advocating for the Kashmiris at international platforms. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam described August 5 as the darkest day in Kashmir’s history when India revoked the special status of Kashmir. He stated that Kashmiris have never accepted India’s occupation of Kashmir.