UNITEDNATIONS:TheUNGeneral Assembly (UNGA) adopted with consensus on Friday a Pakistan-sponsored resolution which `unequivocally supports the right to self-determination` for all peoples under subjugation, including those of occupied Kashmir.

`This global affirmation of the right to self-determination will l(eep alive the flame of freedom in Jammu and Kashmir,` said Pakistan`s UN ambassador, Munir Akram, while talking to Dawn after the resolution`s adoption.

The resolution titled `Universal Realisation of the Right of the Peoples to Self-Determination` was co-spon-sored by 72 countries from all regions and was approved with consensus at an UNGA meeting in New York.

It `unequivocally supports the right of self-determination for all peoples under subjugation, alien domination and foreign occupation`. This includes the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

`Due to the universal character of the right to self-determination and its continued applicability in situations of foreign occupation and intervention, this resolution secured the support of all UN member states,` Ambassador Akram said. This annual affirmationby the General Assembly serves to preserve the legitimacy of the freedom struggle of peoples under colonial and foreign occupation.

`It offers hope that destinies will be decided in accordance with the principles of justice enshrined in the UN Charter, UN resolutions and international law,` Ambassador Akram said.

Pakistan hopes that the adoption of this resolution by consensus will provide the people of IIOJK with hope in their just struggle for self-determination and freedom from Indian oppression and occupation.-Anwar Iqbal