Islamabad: Today, on August 5, Pakistan and Kashmiris worldwide are observing Youm-e-Istehsal to express their protest against the illegal actions of the Narendra Modi-led Hindutva Indian government, which took place on the same day in 2019.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, in collaboration with provincial governments, has organized various events across the country to raise awareness and condemn the Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. These events include seminars, protest rallies, video documentaries screening, and photo exhibitions depicting Indian brutalities against the Kashmiri people.
At 9:00 am, a one-minute silence was observed in support of the Kashmiris who have sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle.
In the federal capital, Islamabad, a walk was organized at Constitution Avenue, where Advisor on Kashmir Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira and leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Kashmir chapter addressed the participants.
In his message, President Dr. Arif Alvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to be the voice of its Kashmiri brothers and sisters. He acknowledged their invaluable sacrifices and promised to extend full support for the realization of their legitimate rights. The president emphasized that lasting peace and stability in South Asia can only be achieved through a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan will continue to provide unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people’s rightful struggle for freedom. He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to raise their voices at every forum and urged India to end human rights violations, withdraw from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and hold a fair and impartial plebiscite in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira briefed the prime minister about the planned activities for Yaum-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, including seminars and awareness campaigns, especially at Pakistan’s diplomatic missions worldwide.
Earlier, on August 5, Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed briefed Islamabad-based diplomatic missions about the latest developments in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He highlighted the legal, security, and human rights dimensions of the situation in IIOJK.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Javed Abbasi informed the National Assembly that Pakistan has consistently raised the issues faced by the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) at international forums. He emphasized that all political parties in Pakistan are united in their stance on the Kashmir dispute.
China has reiterated its stance on the Kashmir issue, calling for a proper and peaceful resolution under the UN Charter, UN Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements. They emphasized that the Kashmir issue is a dispute between India and Pakistan, which should be resolved through dialogue.
On Saturday, August 5, people in Khanewal will express solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren through various programs, including seminars and rallies, as part of the observance of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir. Participants from different sectors will attend the main ceremony at the Zila Council Hall, where DPO Rana Omar Farooq and ADCR Azooba Azeem will join as special guests.