Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership have strongly condemned India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. The statements came as the nation observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir on Tuesday. Leaders reaffirmed full solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Six years have passed since India revoked Article 370 of its constitution and split the occupied territory into two so-called union territories. This unilateral step deepened the Kashmir dispute and drew global criticism.
Prime Minister Highlights Kashmir Dispute as Foreign Policy Priority
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the just resolution of the Kashmir dispute a central pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He urged the international community to act against Indian human rights abuses in IIOJK and reverse the illegal measures taken on 5 August 2019.
The prime minister called for global pressure on India to repeal oppressive laws and to implement UN Security Council resolutions on the Kashmir conflict.
“On this Youm-e-Istehsal, we reaffirm our solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters,” he said. “We condemn India’s illegal moves to alter the demographic and political landscape of IIOJK in violation of international law and UN resolutions.”
Shehbaz Sharif described the day as a reminder of India’s rejection of peace and its investment in brutality. He said denying Kashmiris their basic rights and dignity fuels regional instability.
According to him, India’s occupation has relied on state terrorism and repression for decades. Despite this, the Kashmiri people have resisted with resilience and dignity. He praised their courage and called for global recognition of their struggle.
Kashmiri Leaders Under Detention
The prime minister condemned India’s efforts to silence genuine Kashmiri leadership. He named detained leaders such as Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, and Masarrat Alam Bhatt. He stressed that imprisonment will never weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people.
President Zardari Stresses Peace Through Resolution
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said Youm-e-Istehsal reminds the world of the urgent need to resolve the Kashmir issue. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that the settlement must follow UN Security Council resolutions and reflect the will of the Kashmiri people.
He recalled that on 5 August 2019, India scrapped IIOJK’s special status to undermine its recognised disputed position. Over the past six years, India has altered the region’s demography through measures such as:
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Changing electoral boundaries.
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Adding non-Kashmiris to electoral rolls.
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Issuing domicile certificates to outsiders.
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Expanding powers of the Lieutenant Governor.
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Introducing new property ownership laws.
Military Leadership Stands with Kashmiris
In a joint message, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff pledged full support to the people of IIOJK.
The armed forces condemned India’s ongoing military siege, human rights violations, and demographic engineering in the occupied territory.
“India’s repression and aggressive posture only fuel instability in the region,” the military statement said.
They reiterated that peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and UN resolutions.
The statement paid tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK and reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring commitment to stand alongside Kashmiris in their fight for freedom.
