Pak Independence Day Low Blow: Abdul Basit Cashes In on Kashmir

Pakistan’s President, Manmoon Hussain, addressed the people during the special flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad

Basit, speaking in Delhi, said the sacrifice of the Kashmiris won’t go in vain and the struggle will continue till Kashmir gets its freedom. (File Photo: PTI)

Pakistan’s envoy to India, Abdul Basit, dedicated his country’s Independence Day this year to Kashmir, and urged Pakistan to continue the “fight” till the Valley “attains freedom”.

Basit, speaking in Delhi, said the sacrifice of the Kashmiris won’t go in vain and the struggle will continue till Kashmir gets its freedom.

Pakistan raised the Kashmir issue while celebrating its 70th Independence Day, with President Mamnoon Hussain saying the country will continue to support Kashmiris in their bid for the right to self-determination.

Hussain addressed the people during the special flag-hoisting ceremony in Islamabad and mostly talked about internal challenges and importance of eliminating militancy.

He, however, touched upon the Kashmir issue and asked that the people not forget the people of Kashmir on Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Pakistan cannot forget Kashmiris and would continue to support them to get right of self-determination in light of the UN resolution.

The President urged his people to shun differences and work hard for the prosperity of the country. Earlier, Hussain unfurled the national flag to mark the 70th Independence Day.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Cabinet Ministers and Service Chiefs attended the ceremony that took place amid tight security. With security on high alert, mobile phone service was suspended in about 40 cities. Internet services were also partially suspended.

(With agency inputs)