ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Kashmiris worldwide are observing Youm-e-Istehsal to protest the Indian government’s unilateral decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Indian government abrogated Articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution on August 5, 2019, which granted special status to Kashmir. This move has led to widespread discontent and protests.
To show solidarity with Kashmiris, a special walk will be organized from the Foreign Office to D-Chowk in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will lead the walk, joined by federal ministers, legislators, political figures, civil society members, academics, students, and media personnel.
Participants will observe a minute of silence, during which all traffic will come to a halt. The national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir will also be played.
State and private media will air special programs to highlight the struggles of Kashmiri leaders, the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people, and the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK.
Civil and Military Leaders Pay Tribute
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Pakistan’s military leaders expressed strong solidarity with the people of IIOJK.
President Zardari condemned India’s disregard for international law and urged global pressure on India to end human rights violations and adhere to UN resolutions.
Prime Minister Sharif pledged continued support for Kashmir’s self-determination and called for India to move towards dispute resolution. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar vowed ongoing support for Kashmir’s rights.
Top military leaders honored the martyrs of IIOJK and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s struggle.
