Excellency
Mr. Muhammat Balta, Member of Parliament,
Prof.
Dr. Mustafa Kamalak, Chairman, Saadet Party,
Mr.
Temel Karamollaoglu, Deputy President of ESAM,
Prof.
Dr. Oya Akgonenç, Ufuk University,
Distinguished
participants,
Ladies
and Gentlemen!
I wish to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to all the
distinguished guests for honouring us with their presence here this evening.
Our deep gratitude is owned to everyone at ESAM for their invaluable
support in co-organizing this event, marking the Kashmir Solidarity Day.
Today, once again, we stand in complete solidarity with our Kashmiri
brethren.
For almost seven decades now, these valiant people have waged an epic
struggle for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination
-- as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, and as envisaged in numerous UN
resolutions.
This fundamental right was repeatedly promised to them by the international
community, including India, through a free and impartial plebiscite.
Unfortunately, it remains unfulfilled to this day.
Meanwhile, the world has witnessed unspeakable atrocities perpetrated on the
Kashmiri men, women and children by the security forces in the Indian Occupied
Kashmir.
International and Kashmiri human rights organizations have extensively
documented the gross human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, and
demonstrated how a peaceful people have been systematically brutalized over
decades.
Yet, the world has also witnessed, that no amount of brute force has been
able to break the will of the Kashmiri people.
The lesson from history is that the roar and blaze of guns cannot, and will
not, crush the spirit of azadi (freedom) that glows in Kashmiri hearts.
So, on 5th February every year, we pay homage to the thousands
of Kashmiris who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of their cherished
goal.
We also renew our own unshakable commitment to stand by the Kashmiri people
in their long and arduous struggle.
As solemnly reaffirmed by President Mamoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif, today, Pakistan will continue its moral, diplomatic and political
support to the people of Occupied Kashmir till they achieve their inherent
right to decide their own future through self-determination.
Distinguished participants,
The issue of Kashmir is about justice, about human
dignity and fundamental freedoms, about honoring the pledges made to the
Kashmiris 68 years ago.
The Kashmir issue is equally about ensuring durable peace
and stability in the region, and realizing the vast untapped economic potential
of South Asia.
Pakistan, therefore, continues to call for a just and
lasting solution of Kashmir, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and
the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
We expect the international community to play its rightful
role in urging India to fulfil its responsibility.
Distinguished participants,
At this juncture, I do also wish to highlight the abiding
tradition of Pakistan and Turkey, always supporting each other on their
respective national causes – be it Cyprus or Kashmir.
We express our profound appreciation for Turkey’s
consistent support for the just cause of the Kashmiri people, including from
the platform of OIC.
This support has been a source of strength, both to us
and to the Kashmiris.
It is our firm belief that the sacrifices of the people
of Kashmir would not be in vain, and that they would see the dawn of freedom.
Till that day, the people of Pakistan would walk
hand-in-hand with their Kashmiri brethren.
As I conclude, I again extend our deep thanks to all the
organizers, distinguished speakers, and honoured guests who joined us today to
reassure the people of Kashmir that they are not alone.
I thank you.
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