Pakistan marks Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir with rallies, special events, and renewed calls for the international community to help resolve the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir today to reaffirm its unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and to condemn India’s unilateral decision of August 5, 2019, which revoked the region’s special constitutional status.
The day is observed annually to highlight what Pakistan describes as India’s illegal actions in Jammu and Kashmir and to renew support for the Kashmiri people’s internationally recognized right to self-determination.
On August 5, 2019, India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganized the territory. Pakistan has consistently rejected the move, maintaining that it violates international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Special events and rallies are being held across the country to mark the occasion. A central rally is scheduled on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad, where federal ministers, parliamentarians, political leaders, civil society members, and citizens from different walks of life are expected to participate.
As part of the observance, sirens were sounded at 9:00 a.m., followed by a one-minute silence to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Similar rallies, seminars, and public gatherings are also taking place across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In separate messages issued on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the people of IIOJK.
They paid tribute to the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, saying they continue to struggle for their right to self-determination despite years of restrictions and hardships.
The President and Prime Minister said the observance serves as a reminder to the international community of the consequences of India’s actions in August 2019, which Pakistan says were carried out in violation of international law and UN resolutions.
They emphasized that, despite the passage of several years, India’s constitutional changes have neither altered the internationally recognized status of Jammu and Kashmir nor weakened the aspirations of its people.
Pakistan’s leadership reiterated that the country will continue to raise the Kashmir issue at every relevant international forum until a peaceful settlement is achieved in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
They further stressed that lasting peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Calling on the global community to play a more active role, the President and Prime Minister urged international organizations and world powers to press India to reverse its August 2019 measures, end alleged human rights violations in IIOJK, and create an environment conducive to a peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute.
