DOCUMENT No. 9
 

Prime Minister’s Message on Kashmir Solidarity Day
 

New York, February 4:  Following is the text of the message by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah  Khan Jamali in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed on February 5, 2004:-  

            The people of Pakistan are observing today the Kashmir Solidarity day to demonstrate their unwavering support for their Kashmiri bothers and sisters in their just struggle for self-determination. Kashmir Solidarity Day is an occasion to salute the courage and bravery of the freedom loving people of Kashmir who have remained steadfast and resolute in their quest to attain their inalienable right of self-determination.  

It is one of the great ironies of history that although the people of Jammu and Kashmir were among the first to have their right of self-determination recognized by the United Nations, fifty six years later, they have yet to exercise this right. For over five decades the people of Kashmir have waited for India to honour its pledges. Their valiant struggle continues and inspite of the brutality of the repression they have faced it continues with a vigour and courage borne of conviction in the inherent justice of their cause. It is this very courage that we honour today.  

Pakistan has always emphasized the necessity of a meaningful and constructive dialogue to resolve the Kashmiri dispute. We have said time and again that rigidity and repression must give way to accommodation and respect for the fundamental and inalienable rights of the Kashmiris, if indeed we are to find a durable and peaceful solution to the problem.  

We remain optimistic about achieving a just and peaceful settlement to the Kashmir dispute. It is our sincere conviction that the Kashmiri people will finally see the dawn of peace and freedom.        

<http://www.un.int/pakistan/141304>