RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s top military leadership on Thursday reiterated its support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reaffirming solidarity with Kashmiris on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day.

In a joint message, Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Commander of Defence Forces, along with Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, said the Pakistan Armed Forces stood with the Kashmiri people in their struggle for the right to self-determination.

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The military leadership condemned what it described as ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and measures affecting the region’s demographic and political structure. The statement said such actions were taking place in disregard of international law.

The message reiterated that a lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, was essential for peace and stability in South Asia. It also called on the international community to take meaningful steps to address the humanitarian situation in the region.

The armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while maintaining solidarity with Kashmiris seeking their political rights.

Kashmir Solidarity Day is being observed across Pakistan and in various parts of the world to express support for the Kashmiri people and to draw international attention to the unresolved dispute. Rallies, seminars and special events are being held to highlight the issue and renew calls for a resolution in accordance with United Nations resolutions.