Pakistan observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir on August 5 by reaffirming its political, diplomatic, and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), marking seven years since India revoked the region’s special constitutional status under Article 370.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued separate messages highlighting Pakistan’s continued solidarity with Kashmiris and calling for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
Pakistan Marks Seven Years Since August 5, 2019
On August 5, 2019, the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, ending the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganizing the region into two federally administered union territories.
Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir annually to mark the anniversary of those developments and to express solidarity with the people of IIOJK.
President Zardari Reaffirms Solidarity
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people, stating that the measures introduced on August 5, 2019, had not changed the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said millions of Kashmiris had continued to live under severe restrictions over the past seven years, affecting their daily lives, opportunities, and communities.
The president reiterated that Pakistan would continue extending its moral, political, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris and would raise the issue at every international forum until it is resolved in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He also urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to play an active role in addressing the human rights situation in IIOJK and promoting a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
In his message, the prime minister urged the international community to press India to end alleged human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse measures introduced since August 2019, repeal laws affecting the region, and create conditions conducive to resolving the dispute through the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in line with relevant UNSC resolutions.
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The prime minister said Pakistan stood in unwavering solidarity with the people of Kashmir and maintained that the constitutional changes introduced in 2019 had neither altered the legal status of the territory nor diminished the aspirations of its people.
He also expressed concern over restrictions on civil liberties, political leadership, and independent media in the region, adding that lasting peace in South Asia could only be achieved through a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
Ishaq Dar Urges Greater International Engagement
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a televised message issued during his visit to Jordan, called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to ensure respect for international law and fulfill its responsibilities regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Dar said Pakistan continued to regard India’s actions of August 5, 2019, as unilateral measures that affected the internationally recognized status of the territory and increased challenges for the people of IIOJK.
He emphasized that a peaceful resolution of the dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UNSC resolutions, remained essential for long-term peace and stability in South Asia.
The deputy prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continuing its diplomatic efforts and extending moral and political support to the people of Kashmir.
Pakistan Reiterates Longstanding Position
The statements issued by Pakistan’s top leadership collectively reiterated the country’s longstanding position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Pakistan also renewed its commitment to raising the issue at regional and international forums while expressing solidarity with the people of IIOJK on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir.
