Pakistan Condemns Indian Occupation of Kashmir on Youm-e-Istehsal

Pakistan’s top civilian and military leaders voiced strong condemnation of India’s unlawful occupation of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, as the nation commemorated Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir.

They reaffirmed their steadfast support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement, asserted that the equitable resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue is a crucial aspect of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He urged the global community to intervene to stop Indian human rights abuses in IIOJK and reverse its unilateral and illegal actions taken on 5 August 2019.

The Prime Minister also appealed to the international community to press India to revoke harsh laws and implement UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

“On this Youm-e-Istehsal, the government of Pakistan and I reaffirm the unwavering solidarity of the Pakistani people with our Kashmiri brethren. We reiterate our strongest condemnation of India’s illegal and unilateral actions since 5 August 2019, altering the demographic structure and political landscape of IIOJK, in complete defiance of international law, norms, and principles, as well as UN Security Council resolutions,” the Prime Minister stated.

Describing Youm-e-Istehsal as a stark reminder of India’s rejection of peace and stability and its pursuit of brutality and unilateralism, he noted that the continued denial of fundamental human rights, dignity, and identity to Kashmiris under India’s illegal occupation fosters regional instability.

The Prime Minister asserted that India’s occupation cannot be sustained through normal methods, leading it to intensify its nearly eight-decade regime of state terrorism and oppression.

“The valiant Kashmiri people have endured this brutality with remarkable dignity. Today, all Pakistanis, and all peace-loving individuals worldwide, salute the unwavering resilience and spirit of sacrifice of the Kashmiri people.”

He added that the attempts to silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people are part of a broader hegemonic and extremist agenda underlying India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir.

“The imprisonment of Kashmiri leaders and activists, including Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, and Masarrat Alam Bhatt, will never diminish the resolve of our Kashmiri brethren. The continued defiance of Kashmiris amidst unending intimidation across the illegal Indian occupation further proves their indomitable courage,” Prime Minister Shehbaz added.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’, emphasized the need for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people to ensure lasting peace in South Asia. He also lauded the success of ‘Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos’.

The President stated, “Today, we solemnly observe the sixth anniversary of India’s unlawful and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).”

He noted that on that day, India revoked the special status of IIOJK and divided it into two so-called ‘Union Territories’ to change its internationally recognized disputed status and undermine the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

President Zardari added that Indian authorities have implemented various measures over the past six years aimed at altering the IIOJK’s demographic structure and political landscape.

He cited actions such as the gerrymandering of electoral constituencies, allowing non-Kashmiris to be added to electoral rolls, issuing domicile certificates to outsiders, granting more powers to the Lieutenant Governor in administrative matters, and introducing new laws regarding land and property ownership.

In their joint message, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff, affirmed the armed forces’ full support for the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination, as enshrined in international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

“The continued illegal occupation of IIOJK by Indian security forces — marked by a persistent military siege, systemic human rights violations, and demographic engineering — represents a severe breach of international norms and remains a significant concern,” stated the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“India’s oppressive actions, coupled with its aggressive stance and inflammatory rhetoric, only exacerbate regional instability and perpetuate human suffering.”

The statement concluded, “It is unequivocally clear that lasting peace in South Asia remains unattainable without the just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions.”

The Pakistan Armed Forces paid tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to stand with the Kashmiri people in their rightful struggle for freedom.