‘Kashmir is an unresolved agenda of the realisation of Pakistan,’ COAS says on Defence Day – Pakistan

The Chief of the General Staff of the Army, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on the occasion of Defense and Martyrs Day on Friday, said that the Kashmir problem is an "unresolved agenda" of the realization of Pakistan and will remain so until a solution is found based on the resolutions of the United Nations and the will of the people of Kashmir.

This year, Defense and Martyrs Day is also celebrated as Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Addressing an event held at the headquarters in Rawalpindi, General Bajwa said that state terrorism in India was at its peak in occupied Kashmir.

"I want to assure the people of Kashmir, Pakistan, that they will never leave them alone.

"The hearts of Pakistanis and cashmere throb together.

"The armed forces of Pakistan are ready to give all the sacrifices for the people of Kashmir."

The army chief said that Pakistan transmitted a message of peace and prosperity today.

"Today, peaceful and changing Pakistan is a message of peace, progress and tolerance for the world."

"When we look at the situation of the subcontinent, there are clouds of war and unrest, as well as hopes for peace and prosperity, but Pakistan's role has always been positive.

"We have always emphasized the importance of peace, prosperity and dialogue," said General Bajwa, adding that the example of Afghanistan is evidence of this.

"Pakistan has always supported a targeted and Afghan peace process."

At the beginning of his speech, General Bajwa said it was a pride for him to speak on Defense Day.

"From 1947 until now, whether in the traditional war or in operations against terrorists, our martyrs offered sacrifices and guaranteed the security of the country," said the army chief, adding that their sacrifices have not been and will not be in vain.

He concluded his comments paying homage to the martyrs and their families.

Today marks the 54th anniversary of the 1965 war between Pakistan and India, when the nation's forces defended the country from an Indian attack on Pakistani soil. This year, the day is observed to pay tribute to the martyrs of the country and reaffirm the commitment to defend Pakistan against all threats.

The day began with a greeting of 31 weapons in the federal capital and greetings of 21 weapons in the provincial capitals. Special prayers were also offered after Fajr's prayers for the independence of occupied Kashmir, as well as for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, Pakistan Radio reported.

The main ceremony for Defense Day was held at the GHQ, where Gen Bajwa placed a wreath at the Martyrs Monument and observed an honor guard.

A special ceremony was held at the Allama Iqbal mausoleum in Lahore, where Major General Muhammad Aamir placed a wreath in the Iqbal mausoleum. A contingent of the Pakistan army presented an honor guard.

A special ceremony was also held that included the changing of the guard at the Quaid-i-Azam mausoleum in Karachi.

In addition, a ceremony was also held at the naval headquarters in Islamabad.

According to the interior ministry, offices across the country will be closed at 3 p.m. to commemorate the day and show solidarity with the cashmere and the martyrs. People are encouraged to visit the families of the martyrs to ensure their full support.

& # 39; Pakistan united by occupied Kashmir & # 39;

In his Defense Day message, President Dr. Arif Alvi said that today Pakistan reiterates its solidarity with the cashmere and renews the country's resolution to continue supporting the right to self-determination of the cashmere.

"We will continue to raise their just struggle for freedom at all levels and platforms. Indian brutalities and cruelties cannot repress their spirit of freedom," he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his message, said that all of Pakistan was united against the "illegal, unilateral, reckless and coercive attempt" of India to alter the status of occupied Kashmir, Pakistan Radio reported.

The prime minister said that September 6 stands out in Pakistan's history as a "symbol of a lasting display of unity, indomitable courage and unparalleled sacrifices by our brave soldiers."

He applauded the sacrifices of the armed forces to ensure the security of the country.

The prime minister said that today the "enemy" once again showed "aggressive postures" on the Control Line (LoC), adding that a "reign of terror" had been unleashed on the people of occupied Kashmir.

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The Indian government had placed Kashmir leaders under house arrest and imposed a strict curfew and blackout of communications in the region before repealing article 370 of the constitution, revoking the special status of occupied Kashmir. The blockade has now continued for a month.

"For Pakistan, Kashmir remains its jugular vein. Altering its status poses challenges to Pakistan's security and integrity. The fascist government is committed to suppressing the just struggle of the Kashmir people against the illegitimate occupation of India, denying them their right to the permissible self-determination under the resolutions of the United Nations, "said Prime Minister Imran.

The prime minister said that Pakistan would not leave the cashmere alone and would continue to provide "moral, political and diplomatic support for their inalienable right to self-determination within the framework of [the] UN resolutions. "

Prime Minister Imran expressed confidence in the ability of the armed forces to give an "adequate response to any type of aggression by the enemy."

Meanwhile, in his message, the opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, said that on September 6, the Pakistanis had shown that no one could take away their independence.

He paid tribute to the martyrs and said that today was a day to express loyalty to the people of Kashmir.

& # 39; Proud of our martyrs & # 39;

While visiting a martyr's house in Islamabad, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that all of Pakistan was proud of the nation's martyrs and veterans.

He said the curfew in occupied Kashmir had been in effect for 33 days. However, the full picture of the situation has not yet been presented to the world, but reports from the region are terrifying.

Qureshi said the prime minister would go to Muzaffarabad today, where he would meet with a martyr's family, adding that Prime Minister Imran would observe the day at the LoC.

Earlier, when addressing a ceremony in Muzaffarabad, the president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Masood Khan, welcomed the statements made by the Pakistan Army, in particular General Bajwa's speech.

"Independence and self-determination is our right, it is in our blood and no power in the world can deprive cashmere of their independence and right to self-determination," he said.

Additional Javed Hussain Reports