MUZAFFARABAD: The acting president, prime minister and information minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday reaffirmed unwavering support for the people of Indian-held Kashmir and their right to self-determination.

They underscored the enduring ideological and historical ties between Pakistan and Kashmir.

In separate messages on the eve of Pakistan Day, they said the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, had changed the course of history by laying the foundation for a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent.

Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said the day was being celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm to commemorate the adoption of the historic resolution under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

He said the resolution materialised the long-cherished dream of Muslims despite stiff opposition. He said the day held special significance for the Muslims of the subcontinent as it marked the beginning of their struggle for an independent state, adding that Kashmiri leadership had also played a leading role by participating in the historic Lahore session, thereby laying the foundation of an everlasting bond between Kashmir and Pakistan.

The prime minister described the ongoing movement in Indian-held Kashmir as a continuation of the Pakistan Movement, asserting that Kashmiris had kept it alive through their sacrifices. “Kashmiris are Pakistanis by choice and consider Pakistan the centre of their hopes and aspirations,” he said.

He added that Kashmiris had aligned themselves with Pakistan even before its creation and had decided in favour of accession prior to August 14, 1947. “No country in the world stands closer to Kashmiris than Pakistan,” he said, expressing confidence that their sacrifices would ultimately bear fruit.

Acting President Chaudhry Latif Akbar said Muslims of the subcontinent had united to demand a separate homeland where they could live in accordance with their religious, cultural and social values, including justice, equality and freedom.

He said a strong and stable Pakistan was a guarantor of Kashmir’s freedom, adding that despite worst human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir, people there continued to express their commitment to Pakistan.

He noted that March 23, 1940, was a milestone not only for Pakistan but also for the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir, whose representatives had attended the Lahore gathering and determined their political future under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam, inspired by the vision of Allama Iqbal.

Paying tribute to the founding leaders, he urged unity, discipline and hard work to make Pakistan stronger and more prosperous.

Information Minister Rafique Nayyar termed March 23 a historic and memorable day for Muslims of the subcontinent and called for renewed efforts to strengthen Pakistan in line with the spirit of the Lahore Resolution.

He reiterated that a stable Pakistan was essential for the freedom of Kashmir and pledged continued political, diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris in their struggle for the right to self-determination.

He said the ultimate objective of this struggle was the accession of the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan, adding that Kashmiris would continue their efforts until achieving their goal.

Published in Dawn, March 23th, 2026