PM addresses nation as Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed across Pakistan

Kashmiri students make a human chain at The Kohala Bridge in Azad Kashmir. (AFP/File)

Protesters shout slogans during a rally to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day in Islamabad. (AFP/File)

Security personnel make human chain to show solidarity with the people of Kashmir. (AFP/File)

• Dispute between Islamabad and New Delhi remains unsolved even after seven decades, premier says
• Entire nation stands by its Kashmiri brethren, president says

ISLAMABAD: Lamenting the lack of progress in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Prime Minister Imran Khan acknowledged the suffering of the Kashmiri people in an address to the nation on Tuesday.
His comments were made on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day which is observed across Pakistan on February 5 every year.
“Seven decades have passed and the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir remains unresolved,” PM Khan said, adding that “Kashmiris have been fervently demanding an end to India’s illegitimate rule, spanning more than 70 long and bloody years.”
He added that according the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Jammu and Kashmir, a report filed by the body echoed Pakistan’s repeated calls to the international community to take stock of “India’s brutal use of pellet guns, indiscriminate firing, use of human shields and promulgation of the draconian Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA) that are making lives of the people in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir a living hell.”
Meanwhile, President Arif Alvi, said that this year offers an opportunity to pay tribute to the unparalleled commitment of the Kashmiris for the attainment of their legitimate right to self-determination.
“On this fay, the Government of Pakistan and its people demonstrate to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and the world-at-large that we have not forgotten the long-pending dispute of Jammu and Kashmir,” a statement released by his office read.
“The entire Pakistani nation stands with its Kashmiri brethren in their valiant struggle to achieve the legitimate right to self-determination. It is our firm belief that the Kashmiris will succeed in their struggle,” it added.
Kashmir Solidarity Day was created to commemorate the strong resolve of the Kashmiris in achieving their right to self-determination and is treated as a public holiday in Pakistan.