Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Dialogue to Resolve Kashmir Dispute
MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday once again extended an invitation to India for a meaningful and serious dialogue aimed at resolving the longstanding Kashmir issue, emphasizing the need for lasting peace, progress, and prosperity in the region.
Addressing the AJK Legislative Assembly on Kashmir Solidarity Day, the prime minister stated that February 5 holds historical significance, reaffirming that every inch of Kashmir belongs to its people.
“On this day, the entire Pakistani nation pays tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir. From Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to Syed Ali Shah Geelani, every Kashmiri activist, lawyer, journalist, and child can be assured that Pakistan will stand with them until their freedom is achieved,” he asserted.
The prime minister commended the resilience of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), stating that despite India’s relentless suppression, Kashmiris remain steadfast in their pursuit of self-determination. “India has drenched IIOJK with the blood of innocent people, yet the resolve of Kashmiris for freedom remains unshaken.”
He emphasized that, despite the heavy presence of Indian forces in IIOJK, Kashmiris continue to strive for liberation. Observing Kashmir Solidarity Day serves as a reminder of India’s actions on August 5, 2019, and its ongoing attempts to suppress the Kashmiri struggle.
Shehbaz Sharif urged the global community to intervene and ensure that Kashmiris are granted their legitimate right to self-determination in accordance with international law and justice.
He reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to resolve the Kashmir issue and other disputes through dialogue. “This is an era of knowledge, not bloodshed. History will not remember those who oppress and suppress with kindness. Pakistan’s desire for peace should never be mistaken for weakness.”
The prime minister called upon India to abandon its August 5, 2019 stance and work towards peace by implementing UN Security Council resolutions and fulfilling the promises made to the international community through meaningful dialogue.
“Our armed forces are not only courageous but also highly professional. The decisive actions taken against Abhinandan and Kulbhushan Jadhav are a testament to Pakistan Army’s strength and preparedness,” Shehbaz Sharif remarked.
He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to resuming serious talks in line with the Lahore Declaration, signed during former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, adding that such discussions should address both the Kashmir dispute and other key bilateral issues.
The prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for Kashmiris on global platforms, highlighting that he has consistently raised the issue at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other international forums, clearly presenting Pakistan’s stance.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that India must recognize that this is the era of knowledge and information, not oppression.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s pursuit of peace stems not from weakness but from its deep-rooted Islamic values, national heritage, and strategic outlook.
As a nuclear-armed nation with a strong and professional military, Pakistan remains fully capable of defending itself against any aggression. “From the inception of Pakistan until now, we have responded resolutely to all threats. The captures of Kulbhushan Jadhav and Abhinandan serve as reminders of our preparedness,” he stated. “For the sake of national interests, we will use all necessary measures and never hesitate to defend our sovereignty,” he declared.
