Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Kashmir cause

February 5 has been dedicated for the reiteration of Pakistan's unwavering commitment of solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Pakistan has always supported the Kashmiris in their just struggle for their right of self-determination. The reiteration of Pakistan's solidarity was once again ensured by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while addressing the Azad Kashmir cabinet on the occasion of Kashmir solidarity day at the Kashmir House in Islamabad. The prime minister during his address said that due to Pakistan's principled stance and the pressure exerted by the international community, India has been forced to resume talks with Pakistan. Pakistan has stood by Kashmiris under all circumstances whether it was war, peace or instability in the region, but resolution of the Kashmir dispute through dialogue has been Pakistan's principled objective. Moral, political and diplomatic support has always been there for the Kashmiris at every level. Pakistan has been persistently advocating for the settlement of the Kashmir problem in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and UN resolutions at all levels be it may at international conferences, bilateral discussions with India or the international forums. Pakistan has been forcefully representing the Kashmir issue and the necessity of settling it in the lights of the principles laid down by the world body. The world is aware of the stark reality that the UN has not only recognised Kashmir as a disputed territory but also passed a number of resolutions in this regard, which stipulate the resolution of the dispute by allowing Kashmiris to exercise their right of self-determination. India had broken off peace talks with Pakistan, which included Kashmir problem as one of the items of the agenda after November 2008 Mumbai assault. Pakistan has been calling for resumption of the peace process and the composite dialogue on a range of issues between the two countries including the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan foreign office spokesman once again reiterated Pakistan's desire for sustained and meaningful engagements with India because it was the only way forward for the solution of bilateral disputes between the two countries. Pakistan has always been desirous for result oriented engagements with India because the two countries have a number of issues to settle and the Kashmir is the most prominent among them. India has been evasive for resumption of dialogue under this plea the other and it has made the Mumbai attack as the main cause for postponing the dialogue process. But India has come under great international pressure in recent months to re-engage Pakistan.
New Delhi's offer of talks comes after major powers endorsed an Afghan plan to seek reconciliation in Afghanistan in which Pakistan can play a key role. Kashmiris in the meanwhile continue their struggle for their rights with great perseverance and determination. Their commitment to their cause could be seen in the recent upheaval in the occupied territory after the Shopian tragedy in which two Kashmiri women were assaulted by the forces personnel and later murdered in cold blood. The tragic incident triggered massive protest demonstrations throughout occupied Kashmir, which forced Indian government to conduct an inquiry, which only helped to hush up the matter.
The recent spate of killing of youth by the Indian forces in various parts of the valley also caused an upsurge in the incidents of protest marches and rallies.  The Kashmiris by no means can be silenced as well as far as their legitimate right of self-determination was concerned. The observance of solidarity day on February 5 this year across Pakistan once again highlighted the country's unflinching and solidified support to the people of Kashmir.