Gilani calls for end to human rights violations in Kashmir
Addressing the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Council on the Kashmir Solidarity Day here at the PM House, he said the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to UN resolutions and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
“Pakistan has undertaken several unilateral measures to ease tension in the region and resolve the dispute through talks, but India continues with violations of basic human rights in occupied Kashmir,” he regretted.
He urged the international community to play its role for a just resolution of the dispute.
Pointing out that over 700,000-strong Indian army has unleashed a reign of terror on the Kashmiris, the prime minister urged the international community to take note of human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and play its role to seek a peaceful, just and permanent solution of the dispute.
Mr Gilani welcomed recent statements of US President Barack Obama and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Kashmir and expressed hope that they would work for resolution of the issue.
He reiterated Pakistan’s complete political, moral and diplomatic support for Kashmiris because their stance was in accordance with international laws, UN charter and resolutions passed by the Security Council.
The prime minister directed the ministry of Kashmir affairs to prepare a package for people affected by the Neelum Jhelum hydel project in consultation with the ministry for water and power and submit it to him at the earliest.
He announced a package of Rs5 million each for 41 members of the AJK Legislative Assembly to help them undertake development activities in their constituencies. He ordered discontinuation of army monitoring of development projects in the AJK.
The prime minister also announced a raise of Rs500 per month in subsistence allowance.
President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support to the just struggle of the Kashmiris for their right to self-determination.
In a message on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, he said: “Pakistan would continue to pursue a resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on the wishes of Kashmiri people and hoped they will be the part of dialogue process.”
The Kashmir Solidarity Day, he said, was an occasion to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the valiant people of Kashmir who had remained resolute and steadfast in the face of oppression spanning more than six decades.
“I wish to reassure my Kashmiri brethren that Pakistan remains firmly committed to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.”
He said: “We believe that Kashmiris should be associated with the dialogue process. We are in no doubt that ultimately Kashmiris will be the final arbiter of their destiny.”
APP adds: The Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed on Thursday across Pakistan and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Political parties, social and human rights groups and other organisations staged rallies and demonstrations throughout the country against Indian atrocities in the held valley.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, in a special session, passed a unanimous resolution expressing solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir.
Speaking in the assembly, AJK Prime Minister Sardar Yaqoob vowed to continue struggle till the achievement of the right of self-determination.
The Punjab Assembly also adopted a resolution in support of Kashmiris.
People all over the country observed ‘one-minute’ silence at 10 am in honour of Kashmiri martyrs.
A human chain was formed by the people of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir at the Kohala bridge to show solidarity with Kashmiris on the other side of the Line of Control.