Islamabad, Feb 5 (IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday vowed that Pakistan would continue its political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people "in their struggle for freedom and right to self-determination", Pakistani media reported.

Sharif was addressing the legislative assembly of "Azad Kashmir", or Pakistan-held Kashmir, in Muzaffarabad on the occasion of Kashmir Day.

The prime minister said only a fair resolution of the dispute would ensure lasting peace in the region and urged the international community to play its part in the matter.

"I have an association with Azad and occupied Kashmir since childhood and I believe every Pakistani has the same sort of association with it... we will continue our efforts in resolving the issue," Sharif was quoted by saying by Dawn.

"Today (Thursday) I am here to show solidarity with Kashmiris. Kashmir and Pakistan are one entity; no power in the world can separate the two," he added.

Sharif said Pakistan reiterates its will to stand with the people of Kashmir to achieve their "right to self-determination". He said Pakistan would not accept any resolution of the dispute "contrary to the aspirations of Kashmiris".