Karachi: Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad said that the unilateral actions taken by India on 5 August 2019 are contrary to international law and the spirit of the United Nations resolutions, and cannot alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination is a principled national stance and will continue at every level.
He expressed these views while speaking to media representatives at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Head Office on Wednesday after leading a rally organized to mark Kashmir Exploitation Day (Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir), here on Wednesday.
The event was attended by Municipal Commissioner Abrar Ahmed Jaffar, Financial Advisor Gulzar Ali Abro, heads of various departments, officers, employees, and a large number of citizens.
Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad said that the measures taken on 5 August 2019 were aimed at abolishing the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. However, he stressed that, under United Nations resolutions, Kashmir remains a disputed territory and its final status must be determined in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
He stated that the people of Kashmir have endured decades of hardships and serious human rights violations, urging the international community to play a more effective role in addressing their plight.
He further said that the purpose of Kashmir Exploitation Day is to awaken the conscience of the international community and express solidarity with the people of Kashmir. KMC organized the rally in the same spirit to convey the people of Karachi’s unwavering support for their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
The Deputy Mayor reaffirmed that the people of Karachi would continue to support the fundamental rights and the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
He called upon the United Nations and the international community to fulfill their responsibilities in resolving the Kashmir dispute and to take meaningful steps toward ensuring lasting peace in the region.
He added that seminars, conferences, rallies, and other events are being held across the world on Kashmir Exploitation Day to highlight the Kashmir issue internationally and draw global attention to the human rights concerns in the region.
He said that Kashmir Exploitation Day provides an opportunity to renew the commitment to continue supporting the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people and to keep raising the voice for justice, peace, and human dignity.
On the occasion, KMC Municipal Commissioner Abrar Ahmed Jaffer said that not only the people of Kashmir but also Muslims living across India are subjected to exploitation and discrimination on a daily basis.
He stated that the day symbolizes support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and that KMC is observing Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir in solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
He added that Kashmir was, is, and will always remain a part of Pakistan, and that the bond and relationship between Pakistan and the Kashmiri people can never be severed under any circumstances.