Issued by Her Royal Highness Aliya Dilawar Khanji
Nawab Begum of the Princely State of Junagadh
On the solemn occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, I join the Government, the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan in reaffirming our unwavering solidarity with the courageous people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We pay tribute to their resilience, sacrifices and steadfast commitment to the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.
Seven years have passed since India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which sought to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. These measures neither change the legal status of the dispute nor diminish the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Indian aggression and barbaric tactics to suppress the basic human rights is a matter of grave concern.
I fully endorse the principled and consistent position of the Government of Pakistan that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be resolved peacefully, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the freely expressed aspirations of the Kashmiri people. No unilateral action, coercion or use of force can provide a lawful or lasting settlement of this internationally recognized dispute.
I commend the Government of Pakistan, for continuing to raise the voice of the Kashmiri people at regional and international forums. Pakistan’s sustained political, diplomatic and moral support, its engagement with the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the wider international community, and its call for the reversal of the unlawful measures introduced since August 2019 reflect the country’s firm commitment to justice and international law.
I also pay the highest tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces and their leadership, for their unequivocal solidarity with the Kashmiri people. The courage, vigilance and sacrifices of our Armed Forces in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity provide strength and confidence to the entire nation. Their continued support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and their commitment to lasting peace and stability in South Asia deserve the highest appreciation.
As the Nawab Begum of the Junagadh State, I remain fully aligned with the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Armed Forces on the national position concerning Jammu and Kashmir. On behalf of the Princely State of Junagadh, I reaffirm our complete support for Pakistan’s principled policy and for the peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people as Junagadh State is also an example of Indian aggression.
I call upon the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, international human rights institutions, and all responsible members of the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and take meaningful steps to safeguard the fundamental rights and dignity of the Kashmiri people. As the Nawab Begum of Junagadh State and the torchbearer of its historic cause, I also draw attention to the lawful accession of Junagadh State to Pakistan and the need for the international community to uphold justice, international law, and respect for legally established commitments. The international community must promote conditions conducive to the just, peaceful, and lasting resolution of both longstanding disputes.
On this solemn day, we honour the martyrs, courage and sacrifices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan stands with them today and shall continue to stand with them until their legitimate right to self-determination is realized.
Pakistan Zindabad
