President: (We are for Kashmiris and they are for us: President).

ISLAMABAD -- President Dr Arif Alvi has reiterated Pakistan's commitment to always stand with its Kashmiri brethren in their just right to self-determination. He was addressing as Chief Guest at an impressive flag hoisting ceremony at Jinnah Convention Center here on Wednesday, in connection with the 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan. The President said we are for Kashmiris and they are for us. Their plight and affliction affects us.

He said immediately after India's unilateral steps on Kashmir, government of Pakistan suspended bilateral trade with India, downgraded diplomatic relations and decided to take the issue of Kashmir to UN Security Council.

He said the joint resolution of parliament on 7th of this month condemned the unilateral and illegal steps taken by India to change the disputed status of Kashmir. Pakistan does not accept the efforts to change the demographic composition of occupied territory.

Dr Arif Alvi said India has not only violated the UN resolutions on Kashmir but also threw the agreement of Shimla to dustbin. The Indian act of changing the status quo contravenes the Shimla Agreement.

He said the presence of nine hundred thousand troops has made Kashmir the highest militarized zone. He said the blocking of communication and freedom of expression is a serious violation of human rights of Kashmiris.

The President urged India to stop its brutal treatment of Kashmiris, grant communication access to people and restore civic and social liberties of the people of the occupied territory.

He said India has also been violating the ceasefire agreements by firing and shelling on civilian populations along Line of Control.

He said Pakistan is a peace loving country and wants message of peace in love. It wants to resolve the issue of Kashmir through negotiations and dialogue. However, India should not...