Islamabad (Sunday, July 13, 2025) – President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day (Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir), paid rich tributes to the Kashmiri martyrs and expressed solidarity with those who have laid down their lives in the struggle for freedom.

In a statement issued to the media by the Presidency, President Asif Ali Zardari paid homage to the 22 brave Kashmiri martyrs who sacrificed their lives on July 13, 1931, outside the Srinagar Jail in the face of oppression and tyranny while standing for their right to freedom. The President stated that the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people today is a continuation of the sacrifices made by those 22 martyrs, whose devotion ignited the flame of freedom in the hearts of Kashmiris — a flame that still burns bright.

President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan salutes the courage, determination, and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who have been standing firm for decades against Indian oppression and continue their struggle for freedom. He said that India has turned illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir into a military prison, where extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, political detentions, demographic changes, and attempts to erase Muslim identity are ongoing. “Today, we pay tribute to all such martyrs and Kashmiris who have given their lives for the cause of freedom,” he added.

President Zardari urged the international community and human rights organizations to take immediate notice of the state-sponsored terrorism and gross human rights violations taking place in the occupied region. He called for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions, ensuring the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his statement said that Kashmir Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on July 13 to honor the 22 Kashmiris who sacrificed their lives while protesting against the Dogra forces in Jammu and Kashmir. He remarked that this day serves as a reminder of the inherited resilience of Kashmiri Muslims, their resistance against ruthless forces, and their unwavering determination. The sacrifices made for freedom, human rights, and the rights of Kashmiris have continued throughout the history of Kashmir’s struggle.

The Prime Minister stated that the Kashmiri people have been laying down their lives in a legitimate struggle to achieve their right to self-determination. Pakistan’s government, while expressing solidarity with the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir under India’s illegal occupation, continues its political, diplomatic, and moral support for their cause.

Prime Minister Sharif added that Pakistan salutes the bravery and resolve of all those Kashmiri martyrs who gave their lives during decades of Indian occupation. He reaffirmed that on this day, the Government of Pakistan reiterates its commitment to resolve the Kashmir issue in line with the United Nations resolutions and to uphold the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.