A News Agency

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his country's support for the people of Kashmir in a statement marking the seventh anniversary of India's August 5, 2019 decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharif argued that India's measures, which he described as "unilateral and illegal," would not change the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. He also said that the rights of the Kashmiri people under international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions could not be eliminated through such measures.

Sharif accused the Indian government of maintaining a heavy military presence in the region and pursuing policies aimed at altering its demographic composition.

He also alleged that systematic efforts were being carried out to suppress the identity and voice of the Kashmiri people.

Sharif stated that development narratives in the region could not replace the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination, arguing that this right should be exercised through a free and fair plebiscite in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

Reaffirming Pakistan's continued support for the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, Sharif called on India to reverse its disputed measures, end human rights violations, and create conditions conducive to a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in line with the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.