UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted with consensus on Friday a Pakistan-sponsored resolution which “unequivocally supports the right to self-determination” for all peoples under subjugation, including those of occupied Kashmir.

“This global affirmation of the right to self-determination will keep alive the flame of freedom in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Pakistan’s UN ambassador, Munir Akram, while talking to Dawn after the resolution’s adoption. The resolution titled “Universal Realisation of the Right of the Peoples to Self-Determination” was co-sponsored by 72 countries from all regions and was approved with consensus at an UNGA meeting in New York.

It “unequivocally supports the right of self-determination for all peoples under subjugation, alien domination and foreign occupation”. This includes the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“Due to the universal character of the right to self-determination and its continued applicability in situations of foreign occupation and intervention, this resolution secured the support of all UN member states,” Ambassador Akram said. This annual affirmation by the General Assembly serves to preserve the legitimacy of the freedom struggle of peoples under colonial and foreign occupation.

“It offers hope that destinies will be decided in accordance with the principles of justice enshrined in the UN Charter, UN resolutions and international law,” Ambassador Akram said.

Pakistan hopes that the adoption of this resolution by consensus will provide the people of IIOJK with hope in their just struggle for self-determination and freedom from Indian oppression and occupation.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2021