As Kashmiris around the world continue to condemn India’s revocation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) special status, the top civil and military leadership of Pakistan observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir today (Monday), denouncing the Narendra Modi administration’s brutality on the people of the disputed valley.
Five years ago, Indian Prime Minister Modi’s government revoked IIOJK’s special status and divided the region into two federally administered territories—a move that stripped Kashmiris of their right to self-determination.
Messages of solidarity were issued by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, service chiefs, and the armed forces, emphasizing that for the past seven decades, Kashmiris have awaited the United Nations to fulfil its commitments.
They highlighted the crucial need for the international community to urge India to end its human rights violations in IIOJK and implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
President Zardari’s Stance
President Zardari stated that Pakistan would continue to extend full moral, diplomatic, and political support to the just struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He noted that August 5 marks five years of India’s campaign to consolidate its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
“On this day, five years ago, India took unilateral and unlawful steps in IIOJK to undermine its internationally recognized disputed status,” he said, adding that since then, India has embarked on a ceaseless campaign to alter the demographic structure and political landscape of IIOJK by issuing domicile certificates to outsiders, registering temporary residents in voter lists, gerrymandering assembly constituencies, and modifying land and property ownership laws.
“All these measures are in blatant violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions and international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention,” he stated. The president emphasized that India’s actions since August 5, 2019, demonstrate complete disregard for international law, the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, and the UN Security Council resolutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Message
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s strong moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. He remarked that the observance of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir reminds us of the grave consequences of India’s illegal actions on August 5, 2019, vis-à-vis IIOJK.
“Ever since, India has been trying to convince the world that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of its territory. However, international law, historical facts, moral principles, and the situation on the ground deny India’s baseless claims,” he said. The PM also highlighted India’s efforts to silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people and muzzle the media, noting that political prisoners number in the thousands and 14 political organizations have been outlawed.
“The international community must urge India to halt its egregious human rights violations in IIOJK; reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019; repeal the draconian laws; and implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s Views
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that India’s actions five years ago are an open violation of the United Nations resolutions and the UN Charter. He called on India to allow foreign observers into Occupied Kashmir to assess the atrocities being perpetrated by Indian forces.
Military Leadership’s Support
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, services chiefs, and the Pakistan Armed Forces reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of IIOJK. They condemned the Indian security forces’ violations of international law, including the ongoing draconian military lockdown and persistent human rights abuses. They emphasized that lasting peace and stability in the region hinge on resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
AJK President’s Statement
President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry termed August 5 as the darkest day in Kashmir’s history, criticizing India’s move to strip the region of its special status as a violation of UNSC resolutions. He highlighted the increased brutality and state repression since August 5, 2019, and condemned India’s state terrorism against the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistani leadership’s united front on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir underscores their continued commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination and condemning India’s actions in IIOJK.
