Pakistan's I-Day celebrations dedicated to Kashmir's freedom, says its envoy in India

Pakistan's envoy in India raked up the issue of Indian-controlled Kashmir yet again Sunday, saying that his country's Independence Day celebration is dedicated to the disputed region getting freedom.

Pakistan is celebrating its Independence Day on Sunday, while its arch-rival India will celebrate its Independence Day on Monday.

"Pakistan has always made efforts to improve its relationship with India. Pakistan will dedicate this year's Independence Day to Kashmir and its struggle for freedom," Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit told the media.

"Struggle for independence will continue till Kashmir gets freedom. Sacrifice of the people of Kashmir will not go in vain."

Basit's comments came barely a week after the Indian External Affairs Ministry had summoned him and lodged a strong protest over the growing tension between the two countries in the wake of the violence in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Over 60 people have been killed since the unrest broke out in Kashmir, following the killing of terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen's poster boy for new militancy, 22-year-old Burhan Wani, by Indian security forces last month.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had declared Wani a "martyr" and even observed July 19 as black day to mourn the continuing violence in Kashmir.

"Pakistan has no locus standi in addressing any aspect of the situation in Kashmir, which is an internal matter of India, except to put an end to all cross-border terrorism..." External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said.

India and Pakistan have fought at least three major wars over Kashmir in the past 65 years, with both countries staking its claim over the disputed region. Endit