ISLAMABAD: On Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar renewed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic, political and moral backing for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and stressed that a lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute must be based on the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The day marks seven years since India revoked Article 370 on August 5, 2019, ending the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganising the disputed territory into two federally administered union territories.
Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir Marks Seven Years Since Article 370 Revocation
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said India’s actions of August 5, 2019 were illegal and unilateral, adding that they sought to change the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir in violation of international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The president said these measures had neither altered the legal status of the dispute nor weakened the determination of the Kashmiri people. He noted that millions of Kashmiris had spent the past seven years living under severe restrictions that affected every aspect of daily life.
According to President Zardari, families continue to face uncertainty, young people have seen their opportunities limited and communities remain affected by prolonged conflict and instability. Despite these challenges, he said the Kashmiri people have remained committed to their struggle for justice and self-determination.
Reaffirming Pakistan support for Kashmir, the president said the country would continue raising the Kashmir issue at every international forum until it is resolved in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
He also urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to address the human rights situation in IIOJK and help advance a peaceful and just settlement of the dispute.
Addressing the people of Jammu and Kashmir, President Zardari said Pakistan stood firmly with them and would continue supporting their legitimate struggle for self-determination. He also prayed for peace, justice and strength for the people of the region.
Prime Minister Calls Kashmir a Cornerstone of Foreign Policy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He reiterated that Pakistan would continue extending diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of IIOJK while highlighting their concerns at regional and international forums.
In his message on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, the prime minister said August 5 serves as a reminder of India’s 2019 decision, which he described as a violation of international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
He said seven years later, those measures had failed to change the legal status of Jammu and Kashmir or suppress the aspirations of its people. Instead, he said they had intensified restrictions, limited fundamental freedoms and accelerated attempts to change the demographic composition of the occupied territory through legislative and administrative measures.
The Prime Minister’s Office also expressed concern over the continued suppression of Kashmiri political leadership, restrictions on civil liberties and curbs on independent media.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the determination of the Kashmiri people remained strong despite these challenges. He added that their peaceful struggle for self-determination continued to inspire people who believed in justice, human dignity and international law.
He maintained that lasting peace and stability in South Asia could only be achieved through a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He also urged the international community to play a more active role in resolving the longstanding issue.
Deputy Prime Minister Urges Greater International Action
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of IIOJK in a televised message delivered on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir.
He said India’s actions of August 5, 2019 sought to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and had increased the hardships faced by the people of the territory.
Speaking while attending a ministerial meeting on Jerusalem in Jordan, Dar urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to uphold international law, protect human rights and fulfil its responsibilities for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s legitimate right to self-determination as recognised in the UN Charter and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The deputy prime minister said the measures introduced since August 2019 had complicated efforts to promote regional peace and had adversely affected the lives, rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people.
He called on India to stop actions that undermine the internationally recognised status of Jammu and Kashmir and take steps that would help create conditions for a peaceful settlement.
Concluding his message, Ishaq Dar paid tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue extending unwavering moral, political and diplomatic support to their cause while raising their concerns at international forums.