President, PM reaffirm unwavering support for Kashmiris' right to self-determination on Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan

• Leaders say 1947 accession resolution reflected aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir's Muslims

• Pakistan reiterates commitment to diplomatic, political and moral support for Kashmir cause

• Call for peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute under UNSC resolutions

• Tribute paid to courage and resilience of people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the inalienable right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the historic Ilhaq-e-Pakistan (Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan) Resolution reflected the collective political aspirations of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir at a defining moment in the history of the subcontinent and symbolised the enduring bonds between the peoples of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir.

Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan (Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day) is observed annually to commemorate the historic resolution adopted by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference during its Srinagar session on July 19, 1947, calling for the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that through the Accession to Pakistan Resolution, the people of Jammu and Kashmir had clearly expressed their desire for the State's accession to Pakistan and called upon the Dogra rulers to respect the will of the people. He said the resolution remains an important historical milestone in the political struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on the Occasion of Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan (Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day) 19 July 2026.

Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan (Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day) is observed annually to commemorate the historic resolution adopted by…

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 18, 2026

The prime minister said the occasion also serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds that unite the peoples of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, founded on shared history, faith, culture, geography and longstanding ties. Above all, he said, it underscores the central importance of respecting the freely expressed will of the Kashmiri people.

Reaffirming Pakistan's longstanding position, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the country remains steadfast in its principled support for the inalienable right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

He said the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute continues to have profound implications for regional peace and security, adding that lasting peace in South Asia requires its peaceful resolution in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The prime minister paid tribute to the courage, resilience and steadfastness of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their just struggle for the realisation of their fundamental rights. He reiterated that Pakistan would continue extending unwavering diplomatic, political and moral support until the people of Jammu and Kashmir are able to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.

 In a separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari said, "Today, we pay tribute to the historic resolution adopted by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference on 19 July 1947, which reflected the political aspirations of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir at a defining moment in the history of the subcontinent."

Message from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day (Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan), 19th July 2026

​​Today, we pay tribute to the historic resolution adopted by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference on 19 July 1947, which… pic.twitter.com/uMFSI4ujSM

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 18, 2026

The president said the observance of Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted historical, cultural and spiritual bonds between the people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. He added that it also reaffirms the enduring significance of respecting the freely expressed will of the Kashmiri people in determining their future.

President Zardari noted that for nearly eight decades, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute has remained unresolved despite the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions recognising the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination. He said the continued denial of this fundamental right, coupled with persistent human rights violations in IIOJK, remains a matter of serious concern for the international community.

He reiterated that Pakistan has consistently advocated a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfil its responsibility by supporting efforts aimed at ensuring the realisation of the Kashmiri people's inalienable right to self-determination.

The president paid tribute to the courage, resilience and steadfastness of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying they had made immense sacrifices in pursuit of their legitimate rights. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters by extending unwavering diplomatic, political and moral support until they are able to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.

Concluding his message, President Zardari expressed the hope that the occasion would renew the collective resolve to work for a peaceful, just and lasting settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, paving the way for enduring peace, security and prosperity in South Asia.