Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Makes Bold Kashmir Claim in PoK Assembly Address
In a significant political address that has drawn international attention, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared before the legislative assembly of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) that the region of Kashmir will ultimately become part of Pakistan. The statement, delivered on February 5, 2026, represents one of the most direct assertions of Pakistani territorial claims over the disputed Himalayan territory in recent diplomatic history.
Solidarity Statement from Pakistani Leadership
During his appearance before the PoK assembly, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that his visit was intended to demonstrate unwavering support for what he described as "our brothers in Kashmir." He stated clearly that he had come to stand in solidarity on behalf of the Pakistani people and the Pakistani leadership, framing the Kashmir issue as a matter of national importance and shared destiny between Pakistan and the Kashmiri population.
Context of the Kashmir Dispute
The Kashmir region has been a source of contention between India and Pakistan since the partition of British India in 1947. Both nations claim the territory in its entirety but administer separate portions, with India controlling Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan administering what it calls Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), commonly referred to internationally as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Line of Control serves as the de facto border between the two administered regions.
Prime Minister Sharif's declaration comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and represents a reinforcement of Pakistan's longstanding position on the Kashmir issue. Such statements typically draw strong reactions from Indian authorities, who maintain that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.
International Implications and Reactions
The timing and venue of this statement are particularly noteworthy, as addresses by Pakistani leaders in the PoK assembly often serve as platforms for reinforcing territorial claims. International observers typically monitor such developments closely, given the potential for escalating regional tensions between two nuclear-armed neighbors.
While the immediate practical implications of Sharif's statement remain uncertain, it undoubtedly reinforces the diplomatic stalemate that has characterized India-Pakistan relations regarding Kashmir for decades. The international community generally advocates for peaceful dialogue and resolution of the dispute through bilateral negotiations.
As of the February 5 address, no official response from Indian authorities had been reported in conjunction with Sharif's declaration, though such statements historically prompt diplomatic protests and counter-statements from New Delhi regarding India's sovereignty over the region.
