Youm-i-Istehsal
The federal government of Pakistan has announced that the country will observe Youm-i-Istehsal (Exploitation Day) on Monday to commemorate the fifth anniversary of India’s revocation of Kashmir’s special autonomy and to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir. The decision was reported by the state-owned PTV News on Sunday.
On August 5, 2019, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unilaterally revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to the Muslim-majority region of Jammu and Kashmir.
This move led to the division of the state into two federally administered territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The revocation allowed non-Kashmiris from other parts of India to acquire property and settle in the region, a move that has been criticized as an attempt to alter the demographic composition of the area by diluting its Muslim majority with Hindu settlers.
In response to this controversial decision, the Government of Pakistan designated August 5 as Youm-i-Istehsal, starting in 2020.
This annual observance is intended to mark the status change and demonstrate support for the Kashmiri people.
This year, preparations for Youm-i-Istehsal were discussed in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday.
The meeting, which included federal ministers and senior officials, focused on organizing a series of events and activities to mark the day.
According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to visit Muzaffarabad on August 5 to participate in a joint event with Pakistani and Kashmiri leaders, showing solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
The Prime Minister will also deliver a significant policy statement regarding the day, though details of this statement were not disclosed.
Additional plans for Youm-i-Istehsal include a special walk and ceremonies across all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Special broadcasts will be aired to honor the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and to highlight the alleged human rights violations by India in the region.
The PML-N party has emphasized that the day will focus on bringing attention to the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, the violations of fundamental rights, and India’s failure to uphold its promises.
Earlier in the week, Pakistan urged the international community to pressure India to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, end the repression in the Valley, and create conditions conducive to resolving the long-standing dispute that threatens regional stability.
This appeal was made during a briefing for foreign diplomats at the Foreign Office, where Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi provided a detailed account of the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir and discussed the implications of India’s actions from perspectives of international law, human rights, and regional peace and security.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
