On Kashmir Solidarity Day, February 5, 2025, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, addressed a special session of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) legislative assembly in Muzaffarabad. During his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s intention to resolve “all issues, including Kashmir,” with India. Sharif made it clear that Pakistan desires peace with India and that the resolution of the Kashmir conflict is central to this peace process. He further urged India to fulfill its promises made to the United Nations regarding Kashmir and initiate a dialogue for the resolution of the dispute.
In this article, we will delve deeper into Shehbaz Sharif’s statement, the broader implications for India-Pakistan relations, the historical context of the Kashmir issue, and the possible steps forward to address the dispute.
Overview of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Statement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks on Kashmir Solidarity Day carry significant weight in the context of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The main points of his speech can be summarized as follows:
| Key Point | Details |
| Desire for Resolution | Sharif expressed Pakistan’s desire to resolve all outstanding issues with India, particularly the Kashmir dispute. |
| Kashmir as a Core Issue | Kashmir remains a core issue for Pakistan, and Sharif highlighted the importance of addressing it in the larger context of peace. |
| India’s Responsibility | Sharif urged India to fulfill its commitments made to the United Nations, especially regarding the Kashmir issue. |
| Call for Dialogue | He called on India to initiate dialogue for the peaceful resolution of the dispute over Kashmir. |
Importance of Kashmir Solidarity Day
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed annually on February 5 in Pakistan, in support of the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination. On this day, Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the Kashmir cause and expresses solidarity with the Kashmiris, particularly those living in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The day holds significant meaning for both Pakistan and the Kashmiris, as it underscores the longstanding dispute and the call for peace and justice.
The Kashmir Issue: A Longstanding Dispute
Historical Background
The Kashmir conflict has been a central issue between India and Pakistan since both countries gained independence in 1947. The region of Kashmir, strategically located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, became a flashpoint soon after partition.
The partition of British India led to the creation of two independent nations: India and Pakistan. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was predominantly Muslim but ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, became the focal point of tensions. Upon partition, the Maharaja of Kashmir decided to accede to India, despite the wishes of the majority Muslim population. This decision led to the first war between India and Pakistan in 1947-48, followed by multiple wars, skirmishes, and ongoing diplomatic tension.
Over the years, several UN resolutions have been passed, calling for a plebiscite to allow the people of Kashmir to determine their own future. However, despite numerous attempts at dialogue, the dispute remains unresolved.
Key Events in the Kashmir Conflict
| Year | Event |
| 1947-48 | First Indo-Pakistani War over Kashmir, ending in a ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC). |
| 1965 | Second Indo-Pakistani War over Kashmir. The war ended with both sides agreeing to a ceasefire. |
| 1972 | The Simla Agreement: A peace agreement between India and Pakistan that emphasized resolving the Kashmir issue bilaterally. |
| 1990s | The rise of an insurgency in Kashmir, with many Kashmiris demanding autonomy or independence. |
| 2019 | India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to widespread protests and international condemnation. |
The Current Situation
The Kashmir dispute continues to be one of the most contentious issues in South Asia. India administers Jammu and Kashmir, while Pakistan controls a portion of the region known as Azad Kashmir. The region is divided by the Line of Control (LoC), a ceasefire line established after the 1947-48 war. Both India and Pakistan claim the region in its entirety, and there have been ongoing clashes along the LoC.
In 2019, India’s government revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that was widely criticized by Pakistan and Kashmiris. Pakistan has continued to raise the issue at international forums, including the United Nations, while India maintains that the issue is an internal matter.
Pakistan’s Perspective on Resolving Kashmir
Key Points of Pakistan’s Approach
Pakistan’s approach to the Kashmir issue has remained consistent over the years. The country seeks a peaceful resolution that takes into account the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Here are the core aspects of Pakistan’s position:
| Core Aspect | Details |
| Internationalization of the Issue | Pakistan seeks to internationalize the Kashmir dispute, involving the United Nations and other global powers in the peace process. |
| Kashmiris’ Right to Self-Determination | Pakistan emphasizes the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own future through a plebiscite, as outlined in UN resolutions. |
| Dialogue with India | Pakistan has consistently called for dialogue with India to resolve the Kashmir dispute and improve bilateral relations. |
| Opposition to India’s Actions | Pakistan condemns any unilateral actions by India, such as the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, as violating international norms. |
Role of the United Nations
The United Nations has played a pivotal role in the Kashmir dispute. Multiple resolutions passed by the UN have called for a plebiscite in Kashmir, where the people of the region would decide their future. However, the implementation of these resolutions has been hampered by political complexities and opposition from India.
Economic and Diplomatic Challenges
Apart from the Kashmir issue, Pakistan also faces economic and diplomatic challenges in its relationship with India. Trade ties between the two countries have been severed, and tensions often flare up along the border. Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains committed to seeking a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue through dialogue.