Special Statement by Conservative Party Group Leader Luton, Councillor Raja Muhammad Aslam Khan

Luton, (Special Correspondent) — Councillor Raja Muhammad Aslam Khan, Conservative Party Group Leader at Luton Council, has said that Kashmiris across the world observe January 5 every year as the Right to Self-Determination Day to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to their just struggle.

In his special statement issued on the occasion, he said that the primary objective of observing this day is to remind the international community, particularly the United Nations, that the longstanding Kashmir dispute must be resolved strictly in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Councillor Raja Muhammad Aslam Khan stated that Kashmiris living in different parts of the world are once again observing January 5 this year in line with past traditions, renewing their pledge to continue the freedom movement against Indian occupation until it reaches its logical conclusion.

He recalled that the United Nations Security Council passed a historic resolution on January 5, 1949, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. However, India, which continues its illegal military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, has consistently refused to implement these resolutions.

He further said that Pakistan has always extended its political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people and has stood by them in every difficult moment. Every year on the Right to Self-Determination Day, the Government and people of Pakistan renew their commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people in their legitimate struggle for this fundamental right.

Councillor Raja Muhammad Aslam Khan added that this day is marked by strong expressions of solidarity across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Indian-occupied Kashmir, symbolising the deep bond, unity and brotherhood between the people of Pakistan and the Kashmiri nation. He emphasised that until India allows the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir to determine their future through a free, fair and impartial plebiscite in accordance with United Nations resolutions, the support of the Pakistani nation for their Kashmiri brothers and sisters will continue unabated.

He also appealed that special programmes and events should be organised in the United Kingdom and other Western countries on January 5 to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people and to highlight their just cause at the international level.