Lasting peace in the region cannot be realized without a just & peaceful settlement of J&K dispute: Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (SABAH): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said Kashmir Black Day marks the beginning of a prolonged and painful chapter for the region.

In his message on the occasion of Kashmir Black Day observed on Sunday, Ishaq Dar said over the past seven decades, India has employed various strategies to strengthen its control over Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir but since 5th August 2019, an accelerated effort to undermine the internationally recognized disputed status of territory has been witnessed.

Ishaq Dar said actions taken by Indian authorities, including attempts to alter the demographic and political landscape of the territory, are in direct violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Geneva Convention.

He said the occupied territory is witnessing an intensification of repression with thousands of political leaders and activists behind bars, draconian emergency and counterterrorism laws granting Indian forces sweeping powers to arrest or eliminate any individual.

He said despite all this, the spirit and determination of the Kashmiri people endure, as they continue their peaceful struggle for justice and self-determination.

Referring to the recent elections for the Legislative Assembly of IIOJK, the Deputy Prime Minister said any such exercise amidst an overwhelming military presence, cannot be considered a substitute for the legitimate right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

He said Pakistan remains committed to promoting peace in South Asia and seeks constructive relations with all neighbors.

He however categorically stated that lasting peace in the region cannot be realized without a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.