President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have emphasized that lasting peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

In their separate messages on Jammu and Kashmir Black Day, they said the Government and people of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The President, in his message, called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organizations, to take due cognizance of the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In his message, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to extend its moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people, and to advocate for their legitimate rights at every national and international forum.