Pakistan Marks Sixth Youm-e-Istehsal, Condemns Indian Actions in Kashmir

Pakistan’s citizens and military leadership strongly condemned India’s continuous occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, as the nation saw the sixth Youm-e-Istehsal marking the anniversary of Article 370 in Delhi.

Six years ago, on August 5, 2019, the Government of India unilaterally canceled Article 370 of its Constitution, illegally snatched Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for its special position and divided it into two center areas.

The move angered Pakistan and became a rallying point for leaders calling for international intervention.

Since then, the occupied area has been built under heavy security lockdown, thousands of additional soldiers have been deployed, communications often cut, and political leaders are detained.

Demographic Changes in IIOJK “Unacceptable”: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir disputes remain a major priority of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He urged the international community to act immediately to prevent alleged human rights violations and pressure India.

The Prime Minister said, “The people of Pakistan are standing in full solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.” “India’s efforts to change the demographic and political taunts of the region are illegal and unacceptable.”

He condemned detaining prominent Kashmiri leaders, including Yasin Malik and Shabbir Shah, saying repression won’t end their struggle.

Zardari Calls for UN-Backed Resolution

President Asif Ali Zardari urged a peaceful Kashmir settlement based on UN proposals and Kashmiri aspirations.

He accused New Delhi of systematically changing the demographics of the region through such controversial measures: such as:

• Redrawing electoral boundaries
• Issuing domicile certificates to non-residents
• Amending land ownership laws

Zardari said, “These tasks are designed to separate the indigenous population and it should be reversed.”

Pakistan Armed Forces Reaffirm Support for Kashmiris

In a joint statement, ISPR confirmed Pakistan’s armed forces fully support the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

The statement, supported by the Chief of Army Staff of the Army, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, and Navy and Air Force Chiefs, called India’s works in Kashmir “a serious threat to international norms and a serious threat to regional peace”.

“IIOJK by Indian forces and a continuous business of systemic human rights violations by Indian forces belong to depth. The sustainable peace in South Asia cannot be obtained without resolving the Kashmir dispute in South Asia.”

The army paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs, who vowed to stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with Kashmiris.