ISLAMABAD, Jan 4 (APP): Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over will observe the Right to Self-Determination Day on January 5 to remind the United Nations to implement its own resolutions on the dispute passed this day in 1949.
It was on 5th January 1949, when the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan adopted a resolution that guaranteed the Kashmiri’s right to self-determination through an impartial plebiscite.
Pakistan observes the Kashmir Solidarity Day on this day to express support for the Kashmiri brethren and remind the international community of its commitments made to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIoJK)
The day will be marked by various activities, including rallies, seminars, and conferences across the world to remind the UN that it must implement its relevant resolutions to settle the Kashmir dispute to save the Kashmiris from the Indian brutalities.
The special meetings will highlight the importance of early grant of the right to self-determination to the Jammu & Kashmir people – which was being suppressed and denied by India for over the last seven decades.
Speakers in these meetings will reiterate the Kashmiris’ just and principled stance before the world that they (Jammu Kashmir people) will continue their struggle for the right to self-determination till the achievement of the ultimate goal.
They will particularly highlight the reality with the earnest demand about the early grant of the birthright of self-determination to the Kashmiris without further delay, which is being denied by India for the past over 70 years because of her traditional hostile and stubborn attitude.
According to analysts, despite the UN guarantees, India has not held a free and fair plebiscite in Kashmir even after 75 years, which is an utter violation of international law.
Instead, the people of Kashmir are suffering systematic persecution at the hands of Indian occupational forces for demanding their right to self-determination, while the international community, especially the UN, has failed to implement its resolutions.
They urged the world to stand up against Indian tyranny and its rouge behavior. They said the right to self-determination, a universally recognized basic norm of a democratic society “provides a choice to the certain individuals to decide about their future according to their own wishes. But this right is completely denied by the so-claimed largest democratic India.”
They said that the Indian government’s point of view, that its constitution barred holding of a plebiscite in Kashmir, could be negated while examining the provisions of its Article, which “invests the Indian parliament with the power to create new states and alter the areas, boundaries, and names of the existing ones”.
Salient features of Resolution adopted on 5 January 1949
Article 1: Fate of State of Jammu and Kashmir (JK) to be decided through free and impartial plebiscite.
Article 2: A plebiscite will be held after fulfilment of the ceasefire and truce arrangements set forth in Parts I and II of the Commission’s resolution of 13 August 1948 and plebiscite’s arrangements, based upon Commission’s positive findings.
Article 3(a): The Secretary-General of the UN with Commision’s agreement will nominate a Plebiscite Administrator, formally appointed to office by the Government of JK.
Article 3(b): The Plebiscite Administrator shall derive from the State of JK the powers he considers necessary for conducting free and impartial plebiscite.
Article 3(c): The Plebiscite Administrator shall have authority to appoint such staff and observers as he may require.
There was no provision in the Indian constitution for the final decision of Jammu & Kashmir, they added. The analysts said the Indian state was bound to observe the international norms as referred by the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
“Article 27 of this convention declares that a party cannot invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty. This article shows that the state cannot back out from the international commitment on the ground that it is the violation of its national law.”
They opined that the only way forward to end the Kashmir dispute was to give the people of Kashmir free will to decide their future, as guaranteed by the UN Security Council resolutions.
The international community, especially the West, must rise above their economic and strategic interests and put pressure on the Indian government to withdraw its illegal forces from the IIOJ&K and give the people their right to self-determination, they stressed.
New Delhi’s allegation of assistance to the Kashmiri people from the Pakistan side is unfounded. Objective reports in foreign media testify that the Kashmiri agitation is indigenous.
Pakistan upholds the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with the UNSC resolutions of 1948 and 1949, which provide for the holding of a free and impartial plebiscite for the determination of the future of the state by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite suffering for 75 years under illegal Indian occupation, the Kashmiri people remain committed to their demand for right to self-determination. Pakistan stands with them unequivocally in their rightful struggle for freedom from Indian tyranny and repression.
The nation celebrates Pakistan Day on Sunday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The day is observed to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims of the Sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.
The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one-gun salute in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.
The special feature of the day will be Pakistan Day Military Parade in Islamabad on a limited scale at Aiwan-e-Sadr due to the month of Ramadan.
President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest on the occasion.
Contingents from all the three armed forces will actively participate in the Parade.
Fighter jets from Pakistan Air Force will conduct a flypast.
Radio Pakistan and PTV are broadcasting special programmes to highlight the significance of the day and pay tribute to the leaders and workers of Pakistan Movement.
Pakistan Day, observed annually on March 23rd, holds a place of immense significance in the history of Pakistan. It marks the passing of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which laid the foundation for the creation of an independent state for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. This historic day serves as a reminder of the heroic struggle, sacrifices, and unwavering resolve of the Muslims who aspired for a separate homeland where they could live with dignity and practice their religion freely.
The Lahore Resolution: A Milestone in the Freedom Struggle
The All India Muslim League, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, convened its annual session in Lahore from March 22 to 24, 1940. On March 23rd, the historic resolution was passed at Minto Park (now known as Iqbal Park), demanding separate states for Muslims in the northwestern and eastern regions of India. This resolution, often referred to as the “Pakistan Resolution,” became the cornerstone of the Pakistan Movement and galvanized Muslims into an organized struggle for their rights.
The Heroic Struggle and Sacrifices of the Muslims
The road to independence was not an easy one. The Muslims of the subcontinent faced tremendous challenges, including political opposition, social hardships, and economic constraints. The demand for a separate homeland was met with strong resistance from both the British colonial rulers and the Indian National Congress. However, the unwavering commitment of Muslim leaders and activists fueled the movement with newfound energy and resilience.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, through his unmatched leadership and unwavering determination, guided the Muslims towards their goal. He emphasized the importance of unity, faith, and discipline, inspiring millions to rally behind the cause. Countless individuals sacrificed their lives, endured imprisonment, and faced brutal oppression, all for the dream of an independent Pakistan.
The Creation of Pakistan: A Dream Realized
The struggle for independence culminated in the emergence of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. The dream envisioned in the Lahore Resolution turned into a reality, marking the beginning of a new era for the Muslims of the subcontinent. The creation of Pakistan was not just the establishment of a new country; it was the fulfillment of a long-cherished aspiration for freedom, identity, and sovereignty.
Pakistan Day: A Tribute to the Nation’s Heroes
March 23rd is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Pakistan. The day begins with special prayers for the prosperity and security of the country, followed by military parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural events. The highlight of the day is the grand parade in Islamabad, where the armed forces display their prowess, and national leaders pay tribute to the sacrifices of the past.
Pakistan Day serves as a moment of reflection and gratitude. It reminds the nation of the core principles that led to the creation of Pakistan—unity, faith, and discipline. It is also a call to action for the younger generation to uphold the values of hard work, patriotism, and national integrity to ensure a prosperous future for the country.
Pakistan Day is more than just a historical milestone; it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Muslims of the subcontinent. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of the past and reaffirm the commitment to building a strong and progressive Pakistan. As the nation moves forward, it must continue to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and unity that were at the heart of the Pakistan Movement.
May Pakistan continue to shine as a beacon of hope, strength, and prosperity for generations to come. Pakistan Zindabad!