Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle for the right to self-determination as the country marked Kashmir Martyrs’ Day.

In a statement issued to mark the day, the premier said that Pakistan would continue to extend its political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people “in their legitimate quest for freedom and justice.”

Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, observed every year on July 13, commemorates the sacrifices of 22 unarmed Kashmiris who were martyred in 1931 by the Dogra forces while protesting against tyranny.

He stressed that the struggle for human rights and freedom in Kashmir had persisted for generations, and despite ongoing challenges, the Kashmiri people had shown exemplary resolve.

“We salute all Kashmiri martyrs who laid down their lives during the decades-long resistance against Indian occupation,” the prime minister added.

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, underlining that a peaceful resolution of the dispute was vital for stability in South Asia.

“This day reminds the world of the grave injustices inflicted upon the Kashmiri people. The international community must take note of the continued violations of human rights and honour its promises made through UN resolutions,” the statement read.

PM Shehbaz also welcomed international attention to the Kashmir dispute and reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to engage constructively in any effort aimed at resolving the long-standing issue in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Earlier, ceremonies were held across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to mark the day. Political leaders, civil society members, and students paid tributes to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, and expressed solidarity with the people of Indian-administered Kashmir.