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ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday the nation remembered and “profoundly grieved” for the people of disputed Kashmir as it celebrated its 74th Independence day.
The Himalayan region has been at the heart of tensions between Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan for decades, the cause of two of the three wars between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Both countries claim the region in full, but each rules only in part.
On August 5, 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi split the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two federally controlled territories and took away its special privileges.
New Delhi flooded troops into the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley, where insurgents have fought since the 1990s. India detained thousands, imposed harsh movement restrictions and forced a communications blackout, which has largely remained to date. 
As independence day celebrations kicked off in Pakistan, Khan said “our hearts are profoundly grieved by the sufferings of our brethren … who are facing military siege since past one year.”
“We stand firmly behind our Kashmiri brethren in their struggle for their right to self-determination,” the PM said in a series of tweets. “We will continue to raise voice of the helpless Kashmiris at all available forums … I am confident that the struggle and resilience of brave Kashmiris will culminate into their inalienable right of self-determination.”
In a message to the nation, President Dr. Arif Alvi also assured the people of Kashmir that “Pakistan will continue to support them in their just struggle for their right to self-determination as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
Meanwhile, flag hoisting ceremonies and special events were held at public and private offices across the country.