Youm-e-Istehsal: A Day of Protest Against India’s Kashmir Actions

On August 5th, Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsal to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people and to protest India’s actions in Occupied Kashmir. A special walk from the Foreign Office to D-Chowk in Islamabad is held to express this support, with prominent figures and citizens participating.

President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted India’s illegal actions to undermine the disputed status of Kashmir and to alter its demographic and political landscape. He stressed that these actions violate international laws, including Security Council resolutions and the 4th Geneva Convention. According to President Zardari, India’s internal laws and court decisions cannot defeat the Kashmiri people’s just struggle, which has lasted for seven decades.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also addressed the issue, marking August 5 as a dark day when India illegally revoked the independent status of Kashmir. He praised the courage of the Kashmiri people and emphasized that lasting peace in South Asia hinges on resolving the Jammu and Kashmir conflict. Prime Minister Sharif asserted that Pakistan will continue to provide moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until they achieve their right to self-determination.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar condemned India’s unconstitutional act of amending its constitution five years ago to strip Kashmir of its special status. He called for an international referendum in Kashmir and demanded that India allow international organizations to observe the situation. Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s ties with Kashmir are deep, and any Indian action that undermines these ties is unacceptable.

Amir Muqam Criticizes India’s Actions on Kashmir

Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Kashmir Affairs, and Gilgit-Baltistan, Amir Muqam, highlighted the plight of Kashmiris by noting that India has martyred or jailed thousands of them. He criticized India’s attempts to change the population ratio in Kashmir and announced that the foreign missions will also hold ceremonies.

The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated that India’s August 5, 2019, actions were illegal and a blatant violation of international laws. Consequently, she called on the international community to pressure India to reverse its actions and grant Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

In addition, Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan described India’s actions as a severe violation of human rights. He further criticized the Modi government’s tactics to suppress the identity of Kashmiris and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri struggle.

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Moreover, Youm-e-Istehsal serves as a reminder of India’s unlawful actions and the ongoing suffering of Kashmiris. The day includes a special walk and various media broadcasts highlighting the issue. As a result, leaders across Pakistan are united in their condemnation of India’s actions and their support for Kashmir’s right to self-determination.