05 February 2004	Thursday	13 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: People in Pakistan and throughout the Islamic World will observe February 5 as a day to express their unequivocal support to Kashmiris who are waging a relentless struggle for the achievements of their right of self- determination as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions.

In a message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, Federal Minister for Northern Areas and Kashmir Affairs Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said it was for over five decades that the people of occupied Kashmir had been subjected to worst kind of human rights violations.

He said on February 5, 1949, the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for holding referendum in the occupied Kashmir to determine the wishes of the people.

Mr Sherpao said initially India, which had approached the UN Security Council for cessation of hostilities, made a commitment to abide by the Security Council's resolutions and hold a referendum.

The minister said struggle of people of Jammu and Kashmir for the attainment of right of self-determination continued unabated for five decades.