ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the just resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute was a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy and urged the international community to play a role in halting Indian human rights crimes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsaal, which is being observed on Tuesday (today), the prime minister urged the global community to press India to reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019; repeal draconian laws and implement UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.
“Today is a day for all Pakistanis, and all peace-loving people of the world, to salute the unwavering resilience and spirit of sacrifice of the Kashmiri people,” he said. “The government of Pakistan and I reaffirm the unwavering solidarity of the Pakistani people with our Kashmiri sisters and brothers.”
He said that India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan in May 2025, and its swift and comprehensive military defeat were only the latest evidence of the urgent need for the international community to ensure that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute becomes a global priority.
“The will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions are the only path forward,” Shehbaz said. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching stance, moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people till the realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination.
Youm-e-Istehsaal is being observed to express support for the Kashmiri people’s right to freedom, and to protest India’s illegal and unilateral action of August 5, 2019. It was on this day in 2019 when India unilaterally and illegally stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
Special events have been organised to mark the day. A rally will be taken out in Islamabad from the Foreign Office, which will be joined in by dignitaries and people from different walks of life before concluding at D Chowk. One minute silence will be observed at 10am.
Special walks and events will be held across all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistani missions abroad have also organised special events in connection with the Youm-e-Istehsaal.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)