ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Paying glowing tribute to the iconic leader of Kashmiri resistance Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the Foreign Office has said that his legacy will continue to inspire all those carrying his mission forward to bring an end to the illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The nation pays rich tribute to his life-long struggle for justice and freedom,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said in his weekly media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Thursday.
The Spokesperson said that we are deeply saddened at the passing away of Syed Ali Shah Geelani under prolonged house arrest in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
“We are observing a day of official mourning, with the Pakistan flag flying at half-mast,” he said.
Syed Ali Geelani and his family wanted him to be buried at Martyrs Graveyard in Srinagar but the Indian authorities did not allow it fearing agitation from the Kashmiri people. Eventually, he was laid to rest at Haiderpora area of Srinagar.
Strongly condemning the barbaric act of snatching of the mortal remains of Syed Geelani by the Indian Occupation Forces as his family was preparing for his last rites, the Spokesperson said that it’s is deeply regrettable that he was not allowed to be buried in accordance with his will, and the wishes of his family members.
“This shows the highest degree of callousness on part of the occupation forces in complete disregard of civil and human values,” he said.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that the international community must take serious note of the unprecedented and egregious situation and hold India to account for its breaches of international human rights and humanitarian laws.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson said that Syed Geelani’s unflinching commitment to the Kashmir cause, in the face of persistent persecution and tremendous personal hardship, is unparalleled. He said that Geelani inspired three generations of Kashmiris in resisting the illegal Indian occupation and unabated tyranny.
“He was a true voice and hero of the Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination. Upright and steadfast, he would never compromise on the just cause that he led throughout his life from the core of his heart. He will be remembered for his unconditional love for Kashmir and Pakistan. May his soul Rest In Peace,” Asim Iftikhar said.
“Let me reiterate that Pakistan will continue to extend all possible support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their legitimate right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions,” the concluded.
