ISLAMABAD: Today, Pakistan and the world observe ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ to mark the fourth year of the Indian military siege in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and condemn the unconstitutional stripping of its special status. On August 5, 2019, India’s BJP revoked Kashmir’s special status by abolishing Article 370 and Article 35A. It enabled non-Kashmiris to settle and own property in the region.
Last year, the government designated August 5 as “Youm-i-Istehsal” to mark the day of protest against the Indian government’s decision to revoke the autonomy of occupied Kashmir. This move shows solidarity with the residents of occupied Kashmir and portrays opposition to India’s actions in the region.
Pakistan has consistently voiced its concerns about India’s actions in the valley and the atrocities committed in occupied Kashmir. The country has also condemned these actions on various international platforms.
The decision by India’s Hindu nationalist-led government to revoke Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019 has been perceived by Kashmiris, international organizations, and critics as an effort to change the demographic composition of Muslim-majority Kashmir by encouraging the settlement of Hindu populations in the region. This move has raised concerns about altering the region’s religious and cultural identity.
President links stability with resolution of Kashmir issue
President Dr. Arif Alvi pledged unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s legitimate rights. He emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the dispute by UN Security Council resolutions. He condemned India’s actions aimed at disempowering Kashmiris in their land.
President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stand in solidarity with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters, acknowledging their invaluable sacrifices. He assured that Pakistan would continue to be their voice and provide full support for their legitimate rights.
President Alvi condemned India’s illegal and unilateral actions taken on August 5, 2019. The president emphasized that a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute could only achieve lasting peace and stability in South Asia. He stated that India’s actions were aimed at disempowering, disenfranchising, and dispossessing the Kashmiri people in their own land. Pakistan views these actions as a violation of international law and the rights of the Kashmiri people.
PM vows to continue to Kashmiris
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the rightful and just cause of the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people. In his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsa, he stated that Pakistan would continue to echo the voices of the Kashmiri people on all international platforms.
The Prime Minister called on the world to take action and urge India to put an end to its egregious human rights violations and forcible occupation of IIOJK. He emphasized the need for India to reverse all unilateral and illegal measures.
Prime Minister noted that it has been four years since India’s illegal revocation of the special status of IIOJK. During this period, India used brutal force and violence to suppress the Kashmiri people. He also pointed out that India has taken various measures aimed at altering the internationally recognized disputed status of IIOJK. These actions aim to bring demographic changes in the valley in India’s favor.
