DOCUMENT No. 8 
 

President’s Message on Kashmir Solidarity Day

New York, February 4: Following is the text of the message by   the President General Pervaiz Musharraf in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed on February 5, 2004:-  

The people of Pakistan observe Kashmir Solidarity Day by reaffirming their steadfast and unflinching support for the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for the exercise of their inalienable right of self- determination.             

Pakistan’s support for the   just Kashmiri cause is   based not only on the bonds of kinship, but accords fully with our obligations and responsibility under international law,  UN Charter principles and relevant Security Council resolutions.  

This year, the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day has a special significance. Pakistan and India stand at a crossroad in history. Hopes for finding a peaceful solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute have been raised by prospects of resumption of composite talks between Pakistan and India. Correspondingly, it is  imperative for Pakistan and India to seize this opportunity by addressing seriously and substantively the Kashmir issue to the entire satisfaction of the people of Kashmir.  

Respect for the basic human rights of the Kashmiri people is fundamental to creating   conditions of peace and normalcy. Pakistan favours a general cessation of brutality and violence in Occupied Kashmir. The cycle of violence and counter-violence must end. This would entail foolproof measures for   protecting and promoting the human rights of the Kashmiris and enabling them to realize their legitimate aspirations.            

            A whole range of interim   measures including Indian force reduction must be taken to bring   a modicum  of normalcy in the lives of traumatized   Kashmiris. These interim steps  would facilitate the search for a just and durable solution that corresponds with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.  

            Kashmir Solidarity Day is also an occasion to pay homage  of brave and daughters of Kashmir who laid their lives for their just cause. Their courage perseverance in the face of tremendous adversity is a source of inspiration to all freedom loving peoples of the world. The people of Pakistan will continue to stand by their Kashmiri brethren at all times and under all circumstances until they succeed in achieving their cherished goals. I am confident that history will vindicate them. 

<http://www.un.int/pakistan/141104>