LAHORE: In his message on the Kashmir Solidarity Day, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that February 5 offered us the actual opportunity to pay tribute to the unparalleled commitment of Kashmiris for attainment of their right of self-determination. “This day reminds the global community that they should play their proactive role in the light of the UN resolutions to provide Kashmiris with their right for determining their political future. We all salute them for their unending sacrifices in this voyage. Denial of right of self-determination of the Kashmiris highlights the flaws in moral, diplomatic and political behavior. Durable and peaceful solution of Kashmir issue is essential for bringing stability in South Asia and is pivotal to fully benefit from the collective and human resources of the region,” he said. He said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) always projected the Kashmir cause at every national and international forum and also stressed for the need of a diplomatic solution in the light of resolution of the Security Council in accordance with the demands of the people of Kashmir “We will keep calling on the national and international forum for their right,” the CM said. He assured the Kashmiri people that the people of Pakistan would never abandon their unflinching support for them. He said that Kashmiri people were facing atrocities with courage. “However, India cannot deprive them of their due basic rights for long. Pakistani people have always raised their voices against the oppression of Indian forces in occupied Kashmir and abuse of human rights,” he said. He reaffirmed the steadfast support of the people and government of Pakistan extended to the Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their struggle to achieve their inherent right to decide their future through self-determination on the occasion of solidarity. “In today’s democratic and media dominating era, it is very unfortunate to deprive the Kashmiri people from their basic rights through this tyrannical detention. By observing the day of solidarity of Kashmir, we have to reiterate the commitment to continue political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their struggle,” he said. Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the PML-N government would continue its development agenda. “We will complete the agenda of public development. No obstacle will be allowed to hinder the voyage of prosperity. The PML-N government has initiated mega projects for the development and prosperity of the people that are unparalleled in the 70-year history of the country. Provision of record development budget to South Punjab is also an honour of the PML-N government,” he said. He said that the transparency, quality and speed are the distinctive features of Punjab government. “For the first time in the history of Pakistan, millions of rupees have been saved in almost every development project. These funds are being used in other public welfare schemes,” he said. The CM said that innovatory projects had been started in education, health, agriculture and other sectors whose positive impact had raised the living standard of the public. Published in Daily Times, February 5th 2018.