Islamabad: In his special message on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931, and said that the sacrifices of these martyrs should be a means of lighting the candle of freedom in the hearts of the Kashmiri people.
He said that these sacrifices are still the center and foundation of the ongoing struggle of Kashmiris, and the entire Pakistani nation salutes their courage, boldness, and fortitude. The President said that the Kashmiri people have been standing firm against Indian occupation, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and grave human rights violations for the past several decades.
President Asif Zardari stressed that India has turned illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir into a military prison, where human rights are being severely violated. He called on the international community and human rights organizations to take serious notice of Indian atrocities and play an effective role in ensuring the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people.