MUZAFFARABAD: President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Dr Muhammad Najeeb Khan and Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani have paid tribute to martyrs, freedom fighters and the founders of Azad Kashmir on the 79th Foundation Day of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming their commitment to continuing the struggle for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
In his message on October 24, President Najeeb Khan said the day symbolised sacrifice, determination and the struggle for freedom. He noted that the establishment of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir on October 24, 1947, was the result of immense sacrifices.
He said the fundamental objective of the Kashmir freedom movement remained unfulfilled and stressed that the people of Azad Kashmir must not forget their brothers and sisters in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged the international community and the United Nations to fulfil their responsibilities and play an effective role in securing the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
The AJK president paid tribute to the resilience, courage and sacrifices of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir, adding that lasting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia were linked to a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
He also emphasised national unity, the supremacy of the constitution and law, and strong institutions as essential foundations of a stable society. He reaffirmed that the struggle would continue until the Kashmiri people achieved their internationally recognised right to self-determination, while expressing hope for peace, unity, stability and prosperity.
In his separate message, Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani described the foundation day as an occasion to honour the sacrifices and struggle of the region’s forefathers. He termed the establishment of the Azad Kashmir government a significant milestone in the Kashmir freedom movement and paid tribute to the people of Indian-administered Kashmir, who, he said, continued to endure Indian repression.
Gilani added that Pakistan’s support would be used to highlight the Kashmir dispute more effectively at the international level. He expressed hope that the day would come when the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir would become part of Pakistan. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the Kashmiri people’s struggle and called for a just resolution of the longstanding dispute.