Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grave concern over the systematic use of torture as a tool of state oppression by foreign occupying powers.

In his message on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture being observed today, he said the people of Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to endure state repression, brutal torture, and degrading and inhuman treatment at the hands of occupying authorities.

He said the international community bears a collective responsibility to condemn such crimes and to ensure accountability of the perpetrators.

The Prime Minister said, for decades, serious and persistent human rights violations have been committed in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He called upon the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organisations to ensure accountability for perpetrators of such human rights violations and to promote effective and meaningful international cooperation for the protection of victims of torture.

He said, on this day, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the victims of torture in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister said Pakistan strongly supports their right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.