Pakistan PM pledges continued support for Kashmir on veteran leader’s death anniversary

Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani speaks during a press conference in Srinagar on September 9, 2015. (AFP/File)

• Syed Ali Geelani, who opposed Indian rule, was arrested and imprisoned multiple times during his career
• PM Sharif calls him a prominent name in the freedom movement, says that his sacrifices will not be in vain

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the residents of Indian-administered Kashmir in their struggle for the right to self-determination in a message marking the third death anniversary of Syed Ali Geelani, a veteran leader of the region.
Geelani was a prominent pro-independence leader in the disputed Himalayan region who was known for his staunch opposition to Indian rule. He passed away in September 1, 2021, two years after India revoked the special constitutional status of Kashmir, intensifying tensions in the region.
Both Pakistan and India administer parts of Kashmir, but each country claims the territory in full.
“Syed Ali Geelani will always be remembered as a prominent name in the freedom movement of Kashmir,” Sharif said in a statement released by his office. “He dedicated his entire life to this cause.”
“This struggle will continue until the Kashmiris achieve their right to self-determination,” he continued. “Pakistan will continue to provide moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmiris.”
Geelani was arrested and jailed multiple times during his political career.
Reflecting on his life, the prime minister said even the hardships and suffering of his imprisonment could not weaken his resolve.
“His sacrifices will not be in vain,” he added.
After revoking Kashmir’s special constitutional status in 2019, India is now preparing to hold the first elections in the disputed region in a decade.
The electoral contest will take place between September 18 and October 1, with the vote count scheduled for October 4.