Kashmir Remains Core Focus of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: PM

On Youm-e-Istehsal, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that resolving the Kashmir dispute remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He called on the international community to intervene and stop India’s human rights violations in the region. Kashmiris across the world are observing this day to protest the unilateral actions of India on August 5, 2019.

India’s Actions Condemned

The prime minister strongly condemned India’s revocation of Article 370 and 35A, which stripped Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) of its special status. He said these actions violated international laws and UN resolutions. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Kashmir and denounced India’s efforts to change the region’s demographic structure.

A Call for International Intervention

Shehbaz urged global powers to pressure India to reverse its illegal moves. He said India’s continued occupation and suppression of Kashmiris threatens peace and stability in South Asia. He emphasized that only a peaceful resolution based on the UN Security Council resolutions can bring lasting stability to the region.

Resistance in the Face of Brutality

The prime minister praised the resilience of the Kashmiri people who have endured brutal repression. He noted that India has silenced genuine Kashmiri leadership through imprisonment, including prominent leaders such as Yasin Malik and Shabbir Shah. Yet, he said, the spirit of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken.

India’s Rogue Behavior

He blamed India’s aggressive posture, including its May 2025 unprovoked military actions, on its refusal to resolve the Kashmir conflict. Shehbaz said Pakistan’s swift response highlighted the urgent need to prioritize the Kashmir dispute on the global agenda. He called India’s occupation “unsustainable” and its policies “extremist and hegemonic.”

Read: Lahore Battling Floods as Intense Monsoon Rains Sweep City

Pakistan’s Commitment to Kashmir

Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people. He said the country will continue to advocate for their right to self-determination. On this day, he urged peace-loving people worldwide to stand in solidarity with Kashmir.

Focus on Climate Response in Gilgit-Baltistan

During a visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, the prime minister also focused on climate preparedness. Chairing a high-level meeting, he directed authorities to speed up the establishment of an advanced weather alert system. He stressed the need to relocate populations from high-risk areas and ensure preparedness for future disasters.

Climate Resilience and Early Warning Systems

The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate disasters despite its minimal global emissions. He instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Ministry of Climate Change to jointly develop a forecasting and monitoring center for Gilgit-Baltistan.

He emphasized building climate-resilient infrastructure and fast-tracking emergency relief mechanisms. He called for close coordination between federal and provincial agencies to enhance rescue operations and recovery efforts.

Damage Assessment and Relief Efforts

Shehbaz directed that all rehabilitation work for flood victims be completed without delay. He stressed restoring damaged roads and communications infrastructure on a priority basis. He also called for a detailed survey to assess damages and ensure prompt compensation for affected families.

Aid Distribution and Promises of Development

The prime minister personally distributed cheques among families who lost loved ones during recent floods. He reiterated that no extension would be allowed in completing the delayed early warning system. He said the government had prepared a policy in 2022 to provide compensation to families hit by natural disasters in the region.

He also announced that a 100 MW solar project will be operational this year to ease the energy crisis during winter. The government will also soon lay the foundation for Daanish schools in Gilgit-Baltistan, funded through federal resources.

Commitment to Climate Justice

Shehbaz stressed the importance of Pakistan’s active participation in global climate forums. He said Pakistan deserves international support for building climate-resilient infrastructure, given its disproportionate suffering due to global warming.

In his concluding remarks during the visit, Shehbaz expressed solidarity with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and reaffirmed the federal government’s full support in rebuilding the region and protecting it from future disasters.