Kashmir will become part of Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif in POK Assembly

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif triggered fresh tensions with India on Thursday after declaring that “Kashmir will become a part of Pakistan” while addressing a gathering in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as rallies and demonstrations were held nationwide to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Speaking before the Assembly in Muzaffarabad, Shehbaz reaffirmed what he described as Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the Kashmiri people and renewed Islamabad’s long-standing position on the disputed region.

“The solution to the Jammu-Kashmir dispute is to honour the wishes of the people of Kashmir and the implementation of the UNSC’s resolutions,” he said.

“I have come to stand in solidarity with our brothers in Kashmir on behalf of the Pakistani people and the Pakistani leadership,” he added.

‘KASHMIR WILL BECOME PART OF PAKISTAN’

In a direct and forceful remark, Shehbaz told the gathering, “Kashmir will become a part of Pakistan.”

He said Pakistan’s commitment to Kashmir was rooted in its founding principles, recalling that the country’s founder M A Jinnah had described the region as Pakistan’s “jugular vein”.

“That continues to form the basis of our foreign policy,” he said.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan wanted peace in the region but insisted that it must be built on “equality and justice”.

“We want peace, but this peace can be established on the basis of equality and justice,” he said.

INDIA’S STAND REITERATED

India has consistently rejected Pakistan’s claims over the region, maintaining that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh “was, is and shall forever” remain an integral part of the country.

New Delhi has repeatedly accused Islamabad of backing cross-border terrorism and interfering in its internal affairs.

REFERENCE TO 2025 CONFLICT AND TERROR CLAIMS

Recalling the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025, Shehbaz claimed that the Kashmir issue had been diplomatically “reignited with full force” in its aftermath.

He also alleged that India was stepping up militant activity.

“India is now intensifying terrorism through proxies,” he said.

Pakistan has frequently levelled such accusations, which India has strongly denied.

KASHMIR LINKED WITH PALESTINE

In his address, Shehbaz drew parallels between Kashmir and Palestine, linking both issues to what he described as struggles for justice and self-determination.

He mentioned several figures associated with separatist and militant movements, including Burhan Wani, Syed Ali Geelani, Yasin Malik, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He also referred to activists, journalists, and women, including Asiya Andrabi.

Supporters in the audience responded with chants and applause as he named the figures.

ZARDARI BACKS KASHMIR CAUSE

President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a statement reiterating Pakistan’s “steadfast moral, diplomatic and political support” for the Kashmiri people.

He said Islamabad would continue to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums.

NATIONWIDE RALLIES AND SILENCE OBSERVED

Across Pakistan, rallies, demonstrations, and seminars were organised to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

State-run Radio Pakistan reported that a one-minute silence was observed at 10 am in memory of those who had lost their lives in the conflict.

Public gatherings were held in major cities, with participants carrying banners and placards expressing support for Kashmir.