Political leaders, Hurriyat representatives and government officials paid tribute to veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on his fifth death anniversary, saying his struggle, sacrifices and commitment to the right to self-determination would continue to guide the Kashmir freedom movement.
A ceremony was organised in Islamabad by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Cell to commemorate Geelani’s death anniversary.
Addressing the ceremony, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Syed Iftikhar Geelani said Syed Ali Geelani remained committed to his mission and convictions despite imprisonment and other hardships.
He said the people of Indian-administered Kashmir continued to face what he described as Indian atrocities with courage and determination, adding that such actions had failed to weaken their resolve for freedom.
He said the Kashmiri people would not compromise on their right to self-determination.
Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Muhammad Farooq Rahmani paid tribute to Syed Ali Geelani for his services, sacrifices and principled position on the Kashmir dispute.
Rahmani said Geelani had maintained a deep attachment to Pakistan and remained steadfast in his political position throughout his struggle.
Foreign Office Director General South Asia Sajjad Haider described Geelani as a steadfast and courageous leader of the Kashmiri people whose life symbolised resistance, sacrifice and commitment to the right to self-determination.
He said prolonged detention, hardships in prison and sustained pressure had failed to shake Geelani’s resolve.
Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir president Sardar Masood Khan said Geelani consistently stood by what he described as Pakistan’s principled position and ideology.
He said Geelani’s struggle and political thought continued to provide guidance to the Kashmir freedom movement.
Former ambassador Abdul Basit said Geelani had a deep and unwavering attachment to Pakistan and believed that a resolution of the Kashmir dispute was linked to a strong Pakistan.
Other speakers said Geelani had dedicated his life to the Kashmir cause and highlighted his role in the ideological and political training of a new generation of Kashmiri activists and leaders.
A separate ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad to commemorate the anniversary.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf recalled Geelani’s slogan, “We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours,” saying it had conveyed his political position to the international community.
Yousuf described Kashmir as an unfinished agenda and said the sacrifices made by Kashmiris in their struggle would not go in vain.
He called on the United Nations and the international community to fulfil commitments made to the Kashmiri people regarding their right to self-determination.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas said Geelani had spent his life campaigning for the freedom of Indian-administered Kashmir.
He said efforts would continue to pursue a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Commemorative events were also organised in different districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Participants at a rally in Kotli raised slogans against India and protested against its control of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speakers at the rally accused India of committing abuses against Kashmiris and said Geelani had consistently raised his voice against such actions and refused to abandon his political position despite pressure.
Participants described Geelani as a strong supporter of Pakistan and a representative of the Kashmiri political struggle, saying his slogans and legacy would continue to resonate among his followers.
