Islamabad (Web Desk): Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) are commemorating July 19 as Accession to Pakistan Day, reaffirming their commitment to continue the struggle for a plebiscite and the region’s full integration with Pakistan.
On the occasion of Kashmir Accession Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In their messages, the president and the premier emphasized Pakistan’s firm commitment to continue extending diplomatic, political, and moral support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for the right to self-determination.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this date holds great historical significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On July 19, 1947—weeks before the partition of British India—representatives of the people of Kashmir declared their intention to join Pakistan. The decision was made during a session of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, held at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in the Abi Guzar area of Srinagar.
At that meeting, a unanimous resolution was passed, calling for the state's accession to Pakistan. The resolution was based on shared religious beliefs, geographic contiguity, cultural ties, and economic interests, as well as the strong sentiment among the Muslim-majority population in favour of joining Pakistan.
Each year on this day, many Kashmiris reflect on this historic choice and renew their pledge to seek implementation of the United Nations (UN) resolutions that promise them the right to self-determination.