ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said that India forcibly and illegally took over Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) 72 years ago yesterday (Sunday).
In his video message, the prime minister said that United Nations gives Kashmiris the right to referendum, adding that more than more than 100,000 innocent Kashmiris have been killed in their struggle for the independence.
Imran Khan went on to say that Pakistan will continue to raise the issue of Kashmir at world fora till Kashmiris attain their birth right to self-determination, adding that the world would be apprised of the enormity of the situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK).
He said that India has deprived innocent Kashmiris of their basic rights by imposing curfew in the Valley.
Earlier, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue diplomatic, moral and political support to their Kashmiri brethren.
He was talking to a delegation of All Parties Hurriyet Conference who called on him in Islamabad on Sunday.
Imran Khan said that the hearts of Pakistani people beat in unison with their Kashmiri brethren, adding that government will highlight the issue of Kashmir at every level.
The Hurriyet leaders thanked the Prime Minister for strongly fighting the case of Kashmir before the world community.
Imran Khan dared Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a plebiscite in occupied
Jammu and Kashmir to determine how much support does New Delhi enjoy in the disputed territory.
“Modi deceived Kashmiris in the name of election. All mainstream political parties of Kashmir boycotted the recently held local government polls in there,” he said.
He added the ruling BJP suffered a humiliating defeat even in the controlled elections in the area.
PM Khan said Modi should hold a referendum if he desires peace, stability, and development in Kashmir.
He said the entire Pakistani nation stands by the people of Kashmir in their just struggle for their right to self-determination.
Highlighting the Kashmir issue, he lamented the international community’s silence in the wake of India’s Aug 5 move of revoking the special status of the disputed valley.
The prime minister said Modi, after coming to power for a second term, imposed an unprecedented curfew in occupied Kashmir and no one knows what is happening in the valley.
Prime Minister Khan said that anybody talking of crossing the Line of Control (LoC) to join the Kashmiri people’s struggle will, in fact, harm the Kashmir cause.
He said India is looking for an excuse to crush the freedom struggle of Kashmiris. He added New Delhi rulers have deployed 900,000 troops to subjugate Kashmiris’ voice.
He said that the Modi government wants to hold Pakistan responsible for unrest in Kashmir to deflect the world community’s attention from the bloodbath unleashed in the valley.
He assured the people of Kashmir that he is not only their ambassador but will also become their spokesperson and advocate supporting their struggle till they achieve their right to self-determination as enshrined in the UN Resolutions.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday planted a “Kashmir Freedom Tree” in Islamabad as the Black Day is being observed across the country.
Special prayers were held for the development of Pakistan and independence of occupied Kashmir.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Aahsiq Awan and Minister of State for Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan will arrive in Nankana Sahib today (Monday) on a day-long visit, where he will lay the foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University.
As per details, prior to the opening of Kartarpur Corridor in November, the prime minister will break ground for Baba Guru Nanak University at 11:00 am on Monday.
All preparations have been completed for the ceremony in Nankana Sahib which will be graced by the Punjab Chief Minister, other Provincial and Federal Ministers and Foreign Ambassadors.
After laying the foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University, the premier will leave for Lahore to hold important meetings.
During the visit, the prime minister will meet Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar.
PM Imran Khan will preside over meetings on health reforms, Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme and law and order situation.
It is worth mentioning that officials of Pakistan and India in a historic event on Thursday signed an agreement for opening Kartarpur Corridor.
Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate Kartarpur Corridor on Nov 9. – NNI