Pakistan on Friday firmly rejected what it termed as India’s “baseless and misleading propaganda” regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), calling on New Delhi to abide by international law and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions instead of attempting to divert global attention from its own grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In a strongly worded statement, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that India’s unfounded allegations against AJK were yet another desperate attempt to deflect scrutiny from its repressive policies in the occupied territory. “Rather than engaging in baseless rhetoric, India must acknowledge and fulfil its obligations under international law and the UN Charter,” the statement read.
The Foreign Office underscored that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir freely exercise their civil and political rights and play an active role in shaping their democratic and socio-economic future. Pakistan, it added, remains fully committed to protecting their dignity, defending their rights including the right to peaceful assembly and protest and ensuring their continued progress and empowerment.
“This unwavering commitment reflects not only Pakistan’s constitutional responsibility but also its deep-rooted moral obligation to stand by the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesperson asserted.
Drawing a sharp contrast, the statement highlighted the dire situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where Kashmiri men, women, and children continue to live under the shadow of occupation and oppression. “The indiscriminate use of force, suppression of fundamental freedoms, and systematic human rights abuses have become the defining features of India’s state terrorism in the occupied valley,” the spokesperson noted.
The Foreign Office further said that India’s ongoing attempts to stifle dissent, alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory, and deny civil liberties to its residents have only intensified the suffering of the Kashmiri people and exposed the extent of its repressive agenda.
“Instead of making unfounded accusations against Azad Jammu and Kashmir, India should recognise the inalienable rights of the Kashmiri people particularly their right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the statement concluded.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent position, the spokesperson reiterated that durable peace and stability in South Asia hinge on the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and international legitimacy.
