Asif Ali Zardari Reflects on Gilgit‑Baltistan’s Independence Day — Linking it to the “Unfinished Struggle” of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK)
Introduction
On the occasion of the independence celebrations of Gilgit‑Baltistan (GB), President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed that while GB celebrates its autonomy and constitutional integration into Pakistan, the parallel struggle of the Kashmiri people in IIOJK remains “unfinished”. He underscored Pakistan’s sustained political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of IIOJK in their pursuit of self‑determination under international law. (Pakistan Today)
Key Highlights from the Address
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President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Kashmiri cause: “Pakistan will continue to extend full moral, diplomatic and political support to the valiant Kashmiri people in their just struggle for rights, including their inalienable right to self‑determination.” (Pakistan Today)
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He criticized India’s actions in IIOJK, especially since August 5, 2019 (such as revocation of special status), stating that these measures aim to alter the demographic and political fabric of the region. (Pakistan Today)
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The President called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations, to hold India accountable for “grave and systematic human rights violations” in IIOJK. (Newswire)
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On the celebration of GB’s status and its integration into Pakistan, he used it as a symbolic moment to say that just as GB’s future is secured, so too must the future of Kashmiris be ensured through observance of international resolutions.
Why This Matters
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Symbolic link between regions: Gilgit‑Baltistan’s independence/subject integration is used as a reference point to reflect on Kashmir’s unsettled status, drawing public and diplomatic attention.
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International law & human rights angle: By framing the issue of IIOJK in terms of UN resolutions and human rights law, President Zardari underscores that the matter is global, not merely bilateral.
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Pressure on India & global community: The statement serves to reinforce Pakistan’s diplomatic stance and request for global action. It could influence upcoming international forums on Kashmir.
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Domestic political narrative: For Pakistan’s internal audience, linking GB’s celebrated status with the Kashmir struggle reinforces national unity, solidarity and the narrative of standing by Kashmiri people.
What to Watch Next
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Implementation of any new diplomatic initiatives by Pakistan at the United Nations or other international forums concerning IIOJK.
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Reaction from India, especially to the call for accountability and references to changing demographics in the occupied region.
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Developments in Gilgit‑Baltistan’s governance, autonomy, and how its status continues to evolve — as this sets a precedent in the region.
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Human rights / monitoring reports from IIOJK that correlate with the President’s assertions of systematic violations and demographic changes.
Final Thoughts
President Zardari’s remarks on GB’s independence and linking it to IIOJK’s “unfinished struggle” serve both as a reminder and a rallying call. While Gilgit‑Baltistan celebrates its secured place, the message is loud and clear: Pakistan views Kashmir’s status as unresolved, and will assert it until the rights of Kashmiris are honoured. For observers of the region, this dual focus signals continuity in Pakistan’s Kashmir policy and also spotlights GB’s evolving role in the broader dynamics of the northern territories.
If you like, I can pull in direct quotes from President Zardari’s speech and link them with full context of GB’s constitutional status for your blog post.
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