Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, marking Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, reflected on August 5 as a day of dark exploitation due to India’s illegal revocation of Kashmir’s special status. He praised the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people resisting Indian oppression and affirmed that lasting peace in South Asia relies on addressing the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. Sharif urged India to address the conflict rather than deny it and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Kashmiri self-determination through moral, political, and diplomatic means.

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned India’s actions in Occupied Kashmir, describing them as illegal measures to undermine the region’s disputed status and change its demographic and political landscape. He stated that India’s moves violate international laws, including Security Council resolutions and the 4th Geneva Convention.

Read more: Exploitation of Kashmir: A Historic Day of August 5

Zardari emphasized that Indian legislation and court rulings cannot undermine the Kashmiri people’s just struggle, which has been ongoing for seven decades, waiting for the fulfillment of UN promises. He highlighted that peace in South Asia hinges on resolving the Jammu & Kashmir conflict.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar criticized India’s unconstitutional move five years ago to amend its constitution, calling it a violation of UN resolutions and international laws. He emphasized that Pakistan’s connection with Kashmir is profound and such actions by India are unacceptable.

Dar urged India to hold a referendum in Kashmir and allow international observation of the situation. He praised Prime Minister Sharif’s efforts to bring the Kashmir issue to global attention and condemned India’s attempt to alter Kashmir’s status. Dar also drew parallels with the plight of Palestinians and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Kashmiris’ rights.

Federal Minister Amir Muqam highlighted the loss of lives and imprisonment of thousands of Kashmiris, criticizing India’s attempts to alter the region’s demographic balance. He mentioned that there would be commemorative events at foreign missions today.

Abdul Aleem Khan Accuses India of Human Rights Violations in Kashmir

On August 5, 2019, Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan condemned India’s actions in Held Kashmir, describing them as a grievous act of oppression and defiance of international law.

The President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) asserted that attempts to deny Kashmiris their right to self-determination will fail. He pledged continued moral and diplomatic support from Pakistan for the Kashmiri people, criticizing the Modi government for trying to undermine the identity of Muslims in Kashmir.

Khan claimed that the Indian Army’s actions are causing severe oppression in Kashmir, but the region’s historical status and the Kashmiris’ struggle for freedom cannot be overcome. He denounced Modi and his government’s tactics as exposed and disgraceful.

What is Youm-e-Istehsal?

Youm-e-Istehsal is being observed today to protest against the Indian government’s unlawful move of August 5, 2019, and to draw attention to the suffering of innocent Kashmiris in the Occupied Valley. On this day, five years ago, the BJP-led Indian government, influenced by Hindutva, unilaterally abrogated Articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution, removing Kashmir’s Special Status.

In Islamabad, a special march from the Foreign Office to D-Chowk is taking place to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is leading the walk, joined by federal ministers, lawmakers, political leaders from various parties, members of civil society, academia, students, and media personnel.

At 9 AM, a one-minute silence was observed, halting all moving traffic. The national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were played. Media outlets, including Radio Pakistan and PTV, are airing special programs that spotlight the leaders of Kashmir’s freedom struggle, the sacrifices of Kashmiri people, and Indian atrocities against civilians in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian voted UN resolutions

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarrar accused India of violating UN resolutions on August 5, 2019, with its actions aimed at altering the status of the disputed region. Tarrar emphasized that Pakistan has vocally condemned these violations and has sought international forums to shed light on the plight of the Kashmiri people. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s rejection of India’s actions and its commitment to achieving freedom and justice for Kashmiris.

Tarrar also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to support Ukrainian forces with new aviation standards, citing numerous meetings and persistent diplomacy to secure F-16s despite challenges.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, in a message for Youm-e-Istehsam, referred to August 5, 2019, as a dark day in history. He noted that it marked the start of a five-year lockdown in Occupied Kashmir and criticized India for undermining the rights of Kashmiris. Sadiq called for India to restore Kashmir’s special status and urged it to abandon its rigid stance in favor of dialogue and negotiation to address the issue.