Pak will always support Kashmiris in their freedom struggle, says Abdul Basit

The official also said that on Friday restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar city to prevent separatist celebrations on Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Asserting that “Pakistan has always wanted to have a normal and cooperative relationship with India“, he said, “To this end, it was necessary to settle all the outstanding issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to improve relations”.

His greetings came in the midst of chill between the two countries in the wake of terror attacks at Gurdaspur in Punjab and Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Kashmir Council EU urged the United Nations to fulfil its responsibilities on the long-standing Kashmir issue and take stern action against Indian atrocities in IHK” and express his resolve to continue peaceful struggle for Kashmiris, the chairman concluded. Both accuse each other of violation of the ceasefire.

The President said that there were some “undesirable incidents” trying to destabilise the country and that the “action is being taken against negative, destructive elements which have tried to harm the unity of Pakistan“.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also congratulated all the countrymen on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day.

The Prime Minister said the government is committed to root- out the menace of terrorism and Operation Zarb-e-Azb is demonstration of this commitment. “The sacrifices and efforts of the armed forces, civil armed forces and all concerned institutions – good results of which are appearing – are appreciable”, he added. A host of events, including seminars, conferences, lectures, debates, speech contests, exhibitions, quiz competitions and stage dramas have been arranged by different organisations all across the country.