ISLAMABAD: On the fourth anniversary of India’s illegal and unilateral actions on August 5, 2019, in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Pakistan solemnly observed ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ to express unwavering solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
The people and government of Pakistan used this occasion to renew their moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmir cause, calling for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In special messages on this significant day, the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of Pakistan reiterated their commitment to stand by the Kashmiri people and exposed India’s unlawful actions since August 5, 2019. These actions have aimed to marginalize and disempower the Kashmiri population in their own land.
Kashmiri People’s Right to Self-Determination
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took the initiative to address letters to the President of the UN General Assembly, President of the UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and OIC Secretary-General to keep them informed about the latest developments in IIOJK. In these letters, the Foreign Minister urged the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions to allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their right to self-determination. He also called for a UN-supervised investigation into the human rights situation in IIOJK.
Additionally, the Foreign Minister appealed to the international community to pressure India into releasing incarcerated Kashmiri leaders and political activists, including Yasin Malik, who is currently facing a death penalty sought by Indian authorities.
To raise global awareness about the plight of the oppressed people in IIOJK, Pakistan’s diplomatic missions around the world organized special events. Meanwhile, within the country, a range of activities were held to observe ‘Youm-e-Istehsal,’ such as public rallies, seminars, webinars, panel discussions, photo exhibitions, and a special ‘Walk’ led by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira, along the Constitution Avenue in Islamabad up to the Parliament building.
The commemoration of ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ reflects Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people and its continuous efforts to seek a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with international principles and UN resolutions.
