On August 5, Pakistan commemorates Youm-e-Istehsal, marking the sixth anniversary of India’s revocation of Article 370. This pivotal event, which took place in 2019, led to the removal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan’s civil and military leadership strongly condemned this unilateral move, continuing to demand international intervention.
On this day six years ago, the Indian government stripped Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) of its special status. The region was then divided into two union territories, a decision that faced widespread opposition in Pakistan.
This act has become a rallying cry for Pakistan’s leaders, who continue to urge global powers to press India to reverse its actions. The region has since been under tight security control, with additional troops deployed, political leaders arrested, and communication services severely restricted.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Strong Stance on Kashmir
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that the Kashmir dispute remains a central focus of Pakistan’s foreign policy. On Youm-e-Istehsal, he urged the international community to act swiftly to stop human rights violations in Kashmir.
“The people of Pakistan stand in complete solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters,” Sharif said. He also condemned India’s attempts to alter the demographic and political fabric of the region, calling these efforts illegal and unacceptable.
The Prime Minister specifically criticized India’s incarceration of key Kashmiri leaders, including Yasin Malik and Shabbir Shah, emphasizing that such tactics have failed to stifle the Kashmiri freedom movement.
Zardari Advocates for UN-backed Resolution
Former President Asif Zardari also spoke out on Youm-e-Istehsal, calling for a peaceful resolution based on United Nations Security Council resolutions. Zardari highlighted India’s ongoing attempts to change the region’s demographic makeup.
Over the past six years, India has implemented controversial legal measures, such as redrawing electoral boundaries and issuing domicile certificates to non-residents. These actions, Zardari stated, are aimed at disenfranchising the indigenous Kashmiri population.
“These actions are designed to disempower the people of Kashmir and must be reversed,” Zardari emphasized.
Pakistan’s Military Reaffirms Support for Kashmiris
The Pakistan Armed Forces also expressed their strong commitment to the Kashmiri cause. In a joint statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), military leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
The statement, endorsed by senior military officials, condemned India’s actions as a violation of international norms and a threat to regional peace.
“The continued occupation of IIOJK and human rights abuses are deeply concerning. Lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute,” the statement read. Pakistan’s armed forces also paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs and vowed to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Kashmiris in their struggle for freedom.
As Pakistan marks Youm-e-Istehsal, the country’s leadership, both civilian and military, continues to call for global attention and intervention in Kashmir, demanding justice and a reversal of India’s actions.
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