On August 5, people in Pakistan and Kashmiris around the world are observing Youm-e-Istehsal to remember the fourth anniversary of the Indian occupied Kashmir and protest against the illegal removal of its special status. In 2019, the Indian government, led by Narendra Modi, took away Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status.
Pakistan has consistently spoken out against this action and the violence happening in the region. Pakistani President Arif Alvi, in a special message, promised strong support to the Kashmiri people and their rightful rights. He emphasized that lasting peace and stability in South Asia can only happen through a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, following relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Alvi criticized India’s illegal actions in IIOJK, which aimed to weaken and marginalize the Kashmiri people in their own land.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed unwavering support to Kashmiris on Youm-e-Istehsal. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stand with them and raise their voices at every platform until the world takes action against India’s human rights violations and forced occupation in IIOJK. PM Sharif criticized India’s attempts to change the disputed status of occupied Kashmir through demographic changes, denying Kashmiris their right to decide their own future. He stressed the importance for India to reverse all one-sided and illegal measures and hold a fair and unbiased plebiscite in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
