Pakistan PM’s address to UNGA further boosts Kashmiris’ morale: APHC

In a powerful address at the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a message that has echoed strongly in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, bringing a renewed sense of hope to a people enduring a long and brutal occupation. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), representing the true voice of the Kashmiri people, has confirmed that the Prime Minister’s words have significantly lifted the morale of those suffering under decades of Indian oppression. By once again highlighting the Kashmir dispute on the world’s most important stage, the speech powerfully reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the cause and placed the responsibility for the region’s lack of peace squarely on India’s stubborn and aggressive policies.

The Prime Minister’s clear declaration that “Pakistan stands with its Kashmiri brothers” and that “Kashmiris will one day achieve their right to self-determination” was not merely a diplomatic statement; it was a promise that has strengthened the resolve of a people fighting for their freedom. For millions of Kashmiris living under a military siege, this international solidarity is a crucial lifeline. It serves as a powerful counter to India’s relentless efforts to silence their struggle and misrepresent it to the world. The speech has successfully recentered the Kashmir issue as a matter of international justice and has exposed the failure of India’s policy of force.

Pakistan’s Call for Peace vs. India’s Policy of Force

The Prime Minister’s address clearly laid out two opposing paths for the future of South Asia: one of dialogue and peaceful resolution offered by Pakistan, and one of continued conflict and military suppression enforced by India.¹ By extending another sincere invitation to India for talks on all disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, Pakistan has once again demonstrated its credentials as a responsible state that prefers diplomacy over war. This constructive approach stands in stark contrast to the Modi government’s ongoing refusal to engage in any meaningful dialogue, a refusal that continues to endanger the entire region.

• A Sincere Offer for Dialogue: The APHC spokesperson, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, rightly noted that the Prime Minister’s call for talks proves Pakistan’s commitment to resolving problems through peaceful means.² This offer is a testament to Pakistan’s belief that diplomacy, not military might, is the only way to achieve lasting peace and justice for the people of Kashmir.
• India’s Stubborn Refusal: The APHC has correctly identified India’s unrealistic approach and stubbornness as the primary reason for the continued suffering of the Kashmiri people and the instability in the region.³ By repeatedly rejecting talks, India shows it is not interested in peace but is committed to its brutal policy of crushing the Kashmiri freedom struggle by force.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s Unwavering Support for Kashmir

The Prime Minister’s speech was a powerful reaffirmation of Pakistan’s historic, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people, a role that the Kashmiris themselves deeply value and depend on. This was not just a political speech but a message of deep solidarity that has been gratefully received across the occupied territory. The leaders of the Kashmiri freedom struggle have collectively thanked the Prime Minister, making it clear that Pakistan’s advocacy on the world stage is essential for their cause and gives them the strength to continue their struggle against overwhelming odds.

• A Boost to Kashmiri Morale: The APHC has stated that the address has directly boosted the morale of Kashmiris who have been suffering under Indian occupation for several decades. For a people facing daily violence and oppression, knowing that their struggle is being championed at the UN is a source of immense psychological strength and hope.
• An Advocate for Self Determination: The spokesperson for the APHC emphasized that Pakistan is not only a key party to the Kashmir dispute but also a powerful advocate for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination as recognized by the United Nations. Pakistan’s vigorous efforts at the global level are crucial in keeping the promise of a UN supervised plebiscite alive.
• Gratitude from The Kashmiri Leadership: APHC leader Abdul Samad Inqilabi and APHC AJK leader Altaf Hussain Wani both expressed their deep thanks to the Prime Minister. They affirmed that Kashmiris are hopeful that Pakistan will continue its vital moral, political, and diplomatic support until they achieve their birthright of self-determination.

A Widespread Campaign of Indian Repression

The APHC statement also made a crucial connection between the brutal oppression in the Kashmir Valley and the ongoing crackdown in the Ladakh region, exposing a broader pattern of Indian state policy aimed at crushing all forms of dissent. The Modi government’s actions show that its use of force is not limited to one area but is a widespread strategy to silence anyone in the entire occupied territory who dares to ask for their rights. This proves that India’s policies are not about security but about total control and suppression.

• Crackdown in Leh and Kargil: The APHC strongly condemned the ongoing curfews, communication blackouts, and heavy restrictions imposed on the people in the Leh and Kargil areas of Ladakh. These tactics of collective punishment are the same ones used by Indian forces in the Kashmir Valley to terrorize the local population into submission.
• Silencing Peaceful Voices: The statement demanded the immediate release of all arrested persons in Ladakh, including the environmental activist Sonam Wangchuck, who is renowned around the world. The arrest of a respected and peaceful figure like Wangchuck proves that the Indian government is intolerant of any criticism, no matter how peaceful or legitimate.

Conclusion: A Renewed Resolve for a Just Future

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the UN General Assembly was a resounding success, effectively highlighting the just struggle of the Kashmiri people and exposing India’s role as an obstacle to regional peace. The speech has renewed a sense of hope and determination among the people of Kashmir, assuring them that they are not alone in their fight for freedom. The unified voice of gratitude from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference confirms the deep impact of Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity. The path forward is now clearer than ever. India must end its campaign of military terror in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and respond to the call for dialogue. The international community, for its part, must hold India accountable for its actions and support the UN-guaranteed right of the Kashmiri people to decide their own future.