Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir: Pakistan Reaffirms Support on Seventh Anniversary
Pakistan observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir on Wednesday to mark seven years since India’s constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Across the country, people joined solidarity events to honour Kashmiris.
Authorities observed a one-minute silence at 9am, sounded sirens and briefly stopped traffic. The commemorations reflected Pakistan’s continued political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. The day also renewed calls for a peaceful solution to the longstanding dispute through dialogue and international efforts.
Solidarity events held across the country
India revoked Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, ending the region’s special constitutional status. Pakistan maintains that the decision violated international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Therefore, Islamabad continues to raise the issue at regional and international forums. Meanwhile, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) urged Kashmiris to observe Black Day. The organisation said the observance would draw global attention to the situation in the region. In addition, APHC leaders appealed to overseas Kashmiris to hold peaceful demonstrations.
They encouraged supporters to highlight the issue before the international community. They also repeated their demand for a settlement that reflects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions.
Leaders reaffirm diplomatic commitment
The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris. It said the country would continue advocating for a peaceful resolution of the dispute. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people.
He said Pakistan would continue supporting their right to self-determination through peaceful diplomatic efforts. Likewise, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Kashmir issue as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He urged the international community to encourage dialogue, address human rights concerns and support a peaceful settlement. As a result, Pakistan renewed its commitment to pursuing the issue through diplomatic channels while continuing to advocate for lasting peace and regional stability.
