President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir. He paid homage to their courage, resilience, and dedication to their just struggle for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination. This day marks the seventh anniversary of India’s revocation of the special constitutional status of IIOJK.
On August 5, 2019, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi abrogated Article 370 and reorganized the disputed region into two federally administered union territories. President Zardari condemned these illegal and unilateral actions, emphasizing they violated international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. He affirmed that these measures have neither altered the legal status of the dispute nor weakened the determination of the Kashmiri people.
For seven years, millions of Kashmiris have endured severe restrictions impacting every facet of daily life. Families face ongoing uncertainty, while young people confront limited opportunities. Entire communities continue to bear the burden of prolonged conflict and instability. Despite such hardships, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have remained resolute in pursuing justice and their legitimate right to decide their own future.
President Zardari stressed Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. He pledged to raise their plight at every international forum until the dispute is resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiris. Highlighting the link between peace in South Asia and a just settlement of the Kashmir issue, he called on the international community, especially the United Nations, to address the grave human rights situation in IIOJK and facilitate a peaceful resolution.
Addressing Kashmiri citizens, the president expressed Pakistan’s firm support and admiration for their courage amid adversity, assuring them they are not alone. He prayed for their strength, patience, steadfastness, justice, and lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that the peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to extend diplomatic, political, and moral support, and to advocate for Kashmiris at all regional and international platforms.
The prime minister urged the global community to pressure India to end human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse illegal and unilateral measures imposed since August 2019, repeal draconian laws, and create an environment conducive to peaceful resolution through Kashmiri self-determination in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
On the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal, observed annually on August 5, PM Shehbaz stated that Pakistan and its people stand in unwavering solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters. He condemned India’s illegal actions of 2019, which attempted to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of IIOJK in blatant violation of international law and UN resolutions.
Seven years later, these unlawful measures have neither changed the legal status of Jammu and Kashmir nor diminished the legitimate aspirations of its people. Instead, they have intensified repression, undermined fundamental freedoms, and accelerated attempts to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory through unlawful legislative and administrative actions.
The prime minister expressed serious concern over the continued suppression of genuine Kashmiri political leadership, restrictions on civil liberties, and curbs on independent media. Despite these challenges, he noted the unshaken courage, resilience, and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people, whose peaceful and just struggle for self-determination continues to inspire generations and commands global respect from all who uphold justice, human dignity, and international law.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the principal unresolved issue affecting peace and stability in South Asia. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through coercion or unilateral actions but only through a peaceful settlement reflecting the aspirations of Kashmiris and UN Security Council resolutions. He urged the international community to move beyond mere expressions of concern and actively contribute to a just and durable resolution of the dispute.
In a related statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to uphold international laws, human rights, and commitments under the UN framework. He underscored the UN’s long-overdue responsibility to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
In a televised message on Youm-e-Istehsal, Senator Dar recalled India’s unilateral and illegal actions on August 5, 2019, which sought to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of IIOJK and undermine the rights and aspirations of its people. He described these actions as a grave challenge to the established international framework governing the dispute and noted they have intensified hardships faced by Kashmiris.
While attending a ministerial meeting on Jerusalem in Jordan, the deputy prime minister expressed solidarity with the resilient people of IIOJK, who continue to face significant challenges in their pursuit of the right to self-determination. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for their fundamental rights as enshrined in the UN Charter and reflected in relevant Security Council resolutions.
Senator Dar highlighted that the August 5, 2019 actions and subsequent measures remain a matter of deep concern, complicating efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia and adversely affecting the lives, rights, and freedoms of Kashmiris. He reiterated Pakistan’s call on India to cease all actions undermining the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and to take steps to create a conducive environment for peaceful resolution.
He concluded by stating that lasting peace and stability in South Asia can only be achieved through resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
