Umrani Declares Kashmir Struggle a Test of Global Conscience, Reaffirms Balochistan’s Unshaken Solidarity

Independent Report

Quetta: Senior Provincial Minister, Parliamentary Leader, and Provincial Minister for Irrigation Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani has reaffirmed Balochistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people, stating that Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed on February 5, symbolizes Pakistan’s enduring support for Kashmiris across all parts of divided Kashmir.

He said the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day reflects a long-standing national commitment, adding that the people of Balochistan stand firmly with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters with unity, determination, and resolve. The minister noted that this tradition has been consistently upheld over the years to keep the Kashmir cause alive at both national and international levels.

Recalling historical milestones, Mir Sadiq Umrani said that following the 1975 agreement between Sheikh Abdullah and Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had initially declared February 28 as a day of solidarity with Kashmiris, while the official nationwide observance on February 5 was instituted in 2004. He added that the day serves to highlight the just struggle of the Kashmiri people, their right to self-determination, and Pakistan’s political and diplomatic backing.

The minister emphasized that the people of Kashmir possess an undeniable right to determine their future through a free and fair referendum. He paid tribute to the decades-long sacrifices and resilience of Kashmiris, stating that despite 76 years of what he described as illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, the Kashmiri people continue their struggle for freedom with courage and steadfastness.

Concluding his remarks, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani stressed that in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, the only viable and lawful solution to the Kashmir dispute lies in a democratic, impartial, and internationally supervised referendum that truly reflects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.