PM Shehbaz affirms strong support with Kashmir as Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsaal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing Youm-e-Istehsal today to protest against the Indian government’s actions against Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on  August 5, 2019.

On that date, the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government revoked Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution, which had granted Kashmir special status.

The revocation was condemned by Pakistan, Kashmiris, and the international community, who opposed the move to end Kashmir’s special status.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that Pakistan will persist in providing strong moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until they achieve their inalienable right to self-determination. In his Youm-e-Istehsal message on August 5, 2024, he noted that this day serves as a reminder of the severe impact of India’s unlawful actions on August 5, 2019, aimed at solidifying its control over Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In Islamabad, a special walk from the Foreign Office to D-Chowk was held to show solidarity with Kashmiris. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar leads the march, which is joined by federal ministers, lawmakers, political leaders, civil society members, academics, students, and media representatives.

A rally was held at Constitution Avenue in Islamabad as part of Youm-e-Istehsal to protest the Indian government’s August 5, 2019, revocation of solidarity with Kashmiris.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar criticized the Indian government’s actions as a violation of UN resolutions and the UN Charter. He urged India to allow foreign observers into Occupied Kashmir to witness the alleged atrocities.

Dar stated that India’s attempt to alter Kashmir’s demography through the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A would fail. He assured that Pakistan, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is advocating for Kashmiris at international forums and will continue to support their right to self-determination.

Additionally, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that since August 5, 2019, India has shown a blatant disregard for international law, the aspirations of Kashmiris, and UN Security Council resolutions on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). In his Youm-e-Istehsal message, he noted that today marks five years since India’s unilateral and unlawful actions aimed at altering the disputed status of IIOJK.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam emphasized that the Kashmir dispute will persist until Kashmiris achieve self-determination. APHC Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi affirmed that Kashmir is a core issue for Pakistan and will eventually become part of it.

Moreover, at 9 a.m., a one-minute silence was observed, during which all traffic stopped. The national anthem of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were played.

Radio Pakistan, PTV, and other media outlets are airing special programs that focus on the leaders of Kashmir’s freedom struggle, the sacrifices of Kashmiris, and the Indian atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.