Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar calls position on Kashmir a ‘just cause’ in Independence Day message

Published on Authored by C to I News Desk

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, on Thursday, August 14, used the occasion of his country’s 79th Independence Day to reiterate Islamabad’s position on Kashmir, calling the issue a “just” cause and asserting that Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle would remain “unshakable until justice prevails”.

Ishaq dar Pakistan DPM
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Photo courtesy: x.com/ForeignOfficePk

In a statement issued to mark the day, Dar extended greetings to the citizens of Pakistan and the Pakistani diaspora, saying, “On the joyous occasion of Independence Day, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Pakistan and our compatriots worldwide. Today, we honour the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the countless sacrifices of the Pakistan Movement’s workers, whose unwavering resolve secured our homeland.”

He further said, “Guided by unity, faith, and discipline, Pakistan stands tall as a resilient nation of over 250 million people, proud of our shared heritage and collective strength. Over the past 78 years, Pakistan has made remarkable strides—from a robust agricultural base to thriving IT exports, from hosting global events to transformative infrastructure projects. Our nation has advanced dynamically in science, technology, and economic development. These achievements reflect our commitment to a brighter future and our meaningful contributions to global peace.”

Touching upon regional security matters, Dar made reference to what he termed the success of “Marka-e-Haq”, claiming that Pakistan had demonstrated strength through both military and diplomatic means. “Our principled and robust response to India’s unlawful actions secured a moral and political victory, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to protect our sovereignty. Through military preparedness, diplomatic finesse, and national unity, we have demonstrated our resolve to safeguard our interests while upholding global peace.”

Reaffirming Pakistan’s long-standing stance on Kashmir, he added, “The Kashmir cause remains just, the rights of the Kashmiri people inalienable, and Pakistan’s support for their struggle unshakable until justice prevails. As we commemorate this day, let us renew our dedication to a stronger, more secure, and prosperous Pakistan.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of unity and responsibility in preserving freedom. “Freedom is not merely inherited—it is earned and preserved. Our greatest strength lies in the unity that forged our nation and in our collective resolve to uphold democracy, peace, and justice. Pakistan is not just a land; it is an enduring idea, a sacred promise, and a shared duty.”

Dar’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, carried out by Pakistan-backed militants, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. The incident has drawn widespread international condemnation. Despite this, earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings to Islamabad on its Independence Day, stating that Washington “deeply appreciates Pakistan’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade”.

The attack in Pahalgam has been seen as a significant setback to regional stability. Meanwhile, diplomatic dynamics continue to shift, with reports suggesting that Pakistan’s offer of access to Balochistan has created renewed trade interest.

During Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to the United States in May, he faced protests over the country’s alleged support for terrorism, though the Trump administration has since extended a diplomatic gesture amid evolving strategic and economic interests.