Both leaders called India out for its inhumane treatment of the Kashmiri people and the illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir
President Dr. Arif Alvi in his Pakistan Day message urged the nation to make the society more humane and inclusive, upholding democratic values and rule of law for continuous efforts to make the society better.
“On this historic day, we vow to continue our struggle to make our society humane, inclusive, and tolerant to the minorities residing in Pakistan. We also pledge to uphold democratic values, rule of law, and the Islamic way of life in our country as envisioned by our founding fathers,” the president said.
Alvi also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of India’s Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India has oppressed the eight million-plus population of the valley and has practically put them under house arrest since August of 2019. The President also called upon the international community to play its part in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
“We pledge our commitment to continue to support the Kashmiris in their just struggle for their right to self-determination,” he vowed.
PM pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam
Prime Minister Imran Khan called 23rd March, 1940 a momentous occasion when the Muslims of the Sub-Continent decided to establish a separate homeland to free themselves from the shackles of oppression and slavery of the Hindutva mindset.
“Today, we pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and all the leaders of the Independence Movement who united Muslims of British India and struggled for creation of a free and independent Muslim State. The struggle culminated in the emergence of Pakistan on the map of the world on 14th August, 1947,” he added.
He also urged the nation to stand united in the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed hope that by the grace of the Almighty, the nation will pass through this tough phase as well.
“Our great nation has successfully overcome challenges of immense magnitude in past through unity and resilience. Today, we need to remain strong to face the pandemic that has engulfed the entire World. InshaAllah, we will succeed in these testing times,” the Prime Minister maintained.
Imran Khan expressed his solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who have been subjected to the worst form of state oppression by Indian security forces.
“We salute their courage and will continue to support them morally, politically, and diplomatically for the realization of their right to self-determination under relevant UNSC Resolutions,” Khan added.