October 27th marks a somber turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. On this day, seventy-seven ago, the Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged and painful chapter for the region.

Over the past seven decades, India has employed various strategies to strengthen its control over Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). However, since 5 August 2019, we have witnessed an accelerated effort to undermine the internationallyrecognized disputed status of IIOJK and to marginalize the rights and voices of the Kashmiri people.

The actions taken by Indian authorities, including attempts to alter the demographic and political landscape of the territory, stand in direct violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention. Despite these measures, the resolve of the Kashmiri people remains undeterred.

​Today, the region is witnessing an intensification of repression. Thousands of political leaders and activists remain behind bars, with 14 political parties effectively banned. Draconian emergency and counterterrorism laws grant Indian forces sweeping powers, enabling them to arrest or eliminate any individual and destroy property at will. Nonetheless, the spirit and determination of the Kashmiri people endure, as they continue their peaceful struggle for justice and self-determination.  

While elections for the Legislative Assembly of IIOJK have recently been conducted, any suchexercise, carried out under the framework of the Indian Constitution and amidst an overwhelming military presence, cannot be considered a substitute for the legitimate right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan remains committed to promoting peace in South Asia and seeks constructive relations with all neighbors. However, lasting peace in the region cannot be realized without a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their struggle and will continue to provide its full political, moral and diplomatic support to the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.