On August 5, Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, marking the fifth anniversary of the Indian government’s actions on this day in 2019. The day serves to show solidarity with the Kashmiris in Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). On August 5, 2019, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, which granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. This move allowed people from the rest of India to acquire property and settle in the region, which was seen as an attempt to alter the demographics of the Muslim-majority area.
In response to this, the Pakistani government designated August 5 as Youm-e-Istehsal in 2020 to protest India’s actions and highlight the plight of Kashmiris. The day is now observed annually with various activities and events to raise awareness and show support for the Kashmir cause.
This year’s observance of Youm-e-Istehsal included a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, attended by federal ministers and senior government officials. The meeting discussed the preparations for the day’s commemoration, including a joint main event involving Pakistani and Kashmiri leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled to visit Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, to demonstrate solidarity with the Kashmiris.
Additionally, a special walk and various ceremonies were planned across all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These activities aimed to convey the message that Kashmiris reject India’s illegal occupation and the changes imposed on August 5, 2019.
Earlier in the week, Pakistan’s Foreign Office held a briefing for Islamabad-based foreign diplomats. During this briefing, Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi detailed the situation in the disputed territory and discussed the repercussions of India’s actions from the perspectives of international law, human rights, and regional peace and security. The Pakistani government called on the international community to pressure India to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, end repression in the Valley, and create conditions conducive to resolving the longstanding dispute, which poses a threat to regional stability.
The observance of Youm-e-Istehsal underscores Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiris and keeping the international community aware of the ongoing issues in the region. It serves as a reminder of the unresolved conflict and the need for a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions.
