Six Years of Illegal Annexation: Kashmiris Observe Youm-e-Istehsal Worldwide

ISLAMABAD:August 5 marks six years since India’s unilateral and illegal revocation of Article 370, which stripped Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status. Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and around the world are observing *Youm-e-Istehsal* (Day of Exploitation) to protest the ongoing Indian occupation and human rights violations.

In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Armed Forces reiterated their unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for the right to self-determination. The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, along with the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, expressed solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian-occupied Kashmir.

According to ISPR, the Kashmiri freedom movement is rooted in international law and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. The statement emphasized that India’s attempts to alter the demography of Jammu and Kashmir and its continued military presence are in clear violation of international norms.

“India’s aggressive actions and provocative rhetoric are escalating instability in the region,” the ISPR added, warning that the prolonged oppression could further deteriorate the human rights situation and regional peace.

ISPR affirmed that lasting peace in South Asia is impossible without a fair and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions. The Armed Forces also paid tribute to the martyrs of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and pledged continued support for the Kashmiri people’s legitimate and peaceful struggle.

**Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Message:**

In his Youm-e-Istehsal message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the nation’s solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters, strongly condemning India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019. He declared these actions a violation of international laws and UN resolutions.

The Prime Minister accused India of attempting to alter the demographic and political identity of occupied Kashmir, calling Youm-e-Istehsal a “grim reminder of Indian atrocities and its hostility towards peace.”

He also stated that India’s denial of basic human rights and Kashmiri identity is the root cause of regional instability.

**President Asif Ali Zardari’s Message:**

President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a statement on the occasion, asserting that India’s move to abrogate Kashmir’s special status aimed to undermine the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. He condemned New Delhi’s deliberate efforts to alter the region’s demographic and political landscape through redistricting and inclusion of non-Kashmiris in the voter rolls.

The President highlighted the post-August 5, 2019 increase in repression in the valley, including arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and military lockdowns. He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue its political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people until they achieve their just rights.

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