• “We are Pakistanis, Pakistan is ours”: Ghulam Muhammad Safi

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, has reaffirmed that Kashmiris are not alone in their struggle for freedom, and Pakistan stands firmly by their side. He emphasized that the unparalleled sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will not go in vain.

According to Beyond the Time News, Engineer Amir Muqam made these remarks during a press conference alongside Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, in Islamabad today. Parliamentary Secretary for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, and the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, were also present.

Engineer Muqam said that the sun of freedom will rise soon and urged India to halt grave human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He announced that on February 5, the nation will unite in solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters, observing a one-minute silence and forming human chains across country. He stressed that Pakistan will continue to provide moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris, and called on the international community to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

Highlighting the decades of suffering in occupied Kashmir, he said thousands of young people have been martyred, homes destroyed, and leaders imprisoned for speaking the truth. He added that the leaders in IIOJK continue to advocate Pakistan and the right to self-determination.

Engineer Muqam said letters have been sent to the chief ministers of all four provinces, urging nationwide voices of solidarity and walks in support of Kashmir. He also announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Muzaffarabad and address the Legislative Assembly. Referring to Pakistan’s recent diplomatic successes, he said global awareness has increased regarding Kashmir following Pakistan’s success in the Marka-e-Haq, crediting Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for strong leadership.

He called on citizens to participate in February 5 activities with patriotism, noting that occupied Kashmir remains heavily militarized and restricted, with the media barred from reporting freely. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advocate for the rights of Kashmiris.

Engineer Muqam criticized India’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A, allowing outsiders to settle in Kashmir. He warned that regional instability will continue until the dispute over Kashmir is resolved. He emphasized that, despite India’s numerical strength, Pakistan is prepared to respond decisively, and the people of occupied Kashmir must be granted their rights.

In a gesture of support, he said, the allowance for migrants in Muzaffarabad has been increased to PKR 5,000, which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will formally announce. Engineer Muqam also praised the Hurriyat Conference for keeping the Kashmir issue alive despite great sacrifices.

Speaking on the occasion, Ghulam Muhammad Safi expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the armed forces on behalf of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir for their unwavering support. He said Pakistan has many of its own challenges, yet the way the Pakistani nation has stood by Kashmiris is commendable.

He said some people question how one day of solidarity can free Kashmir, and clarified that Pakistan is expressing solidarity with a Kashmiri nation that had passed a resolution to join Pakistan. He emphasized that solidarity requires year-round effort.

He stressed that solidarity is a continuous effort, not limited to a single day, and reaffirmed that Pakistan’s policy remains aligned with UN resolutions, allowing Kashmiris to decide whether they wish to live with India or join Pakistan. He said the Field Marshal has clearly outlined this policy of Pakistan. He concluded by saying, “We have decided that we are Pakistanis, and Pakistan is ours.”