On the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people. In their separate messages, both leaders acknowledged the immense sacrifices of the Kashmiris who continue their struggle for self-determination against Indian oppression.
President Zardari paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people, particularly honoring the 22 martyrs who laid down their lives outside Srinagar Jail on July 13, 1931. He emphasized that their sacrifices had ignited a long-lasting flame for freedom, which continues to burn brightly in the hearts of Kashmiris. Zardari condemned India’s “illegal occupation” of Kashmir, calling it a military prison where human rights abuses such as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances are rampant.
Similarly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He praised the enduring struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination and vowed continued support for their cause. He stressed that the sacrifices made by Kashmiris would not go in vain, and Pakistan would stand by them until they achieve their rightful freedom.
The observance of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day is being marked by Kashmiris across the globe, with rallies, seminars, and protests being held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, and in major cities worldwide. In Muzaffarabad, a public gathering and rally were organized by the Kashmir Liberation Cell in collaboration with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Additionally, Pasban-e-Hurriyat held a protest rally at Burhan Wani Shaheed Chowk to honor the martyrs.
To further pay homage, a ceremonial salute will be presented by a police contingent at the Shuhada Monument in Muzaffarabad. This day, which commemorates the 1931 martyrs, serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for their freedom and the international community’s responsibility to recognize their right to self-determination.
The call for observance has been supported by pro-freedom leaders and organizations worldwide, making Kashmir Martyrs’ Day a significant event in highlighting the ongoing plight of Kashmiris under Indian occupation.