Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with Kashmiris on 'Youm-e-Istehsal'

Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with Kashmiris on 'Youm-e-Istehsal'

Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): On the fourth anniversary of India's illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August, 2019 in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the people and government of Pakistan on Saturday solemnly observed 'Youm-e-Istehsal' to express solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

In their special messages on the occasion, the president, the prime minister and the foreign minister renewed Pakistan's unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmir cause and called for resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.

"They have also underscored that India’s unlawful actions on and since August 5, 2019 are aimed at turning the Kashmiris into a marginalized and disempowered minority in their own land," the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

FM Bilawal addressed letters to President UN General Assembly, President UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and OIC Secretary General to apprise them of the latest developments in IIOJK.

"In these letters, the foreign minister has urged implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future.

He has called for a UN-supervised investigation into the human rights situation in IIOJK," it was added.

The foreign minister also appealed to the international community to urge India to release the incarcerated Kashmiri leaders and political activists, including Yasin Malik, for whom the Indian authorities had recently sought a death penalty.

To express solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJK, a special ‘Walk’ was held in Islamabad this morning along the Constitution Avenue, up to the Parliament building.

The walk was led by Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira while the officers and staff members of the ministry participated in the walk.

A range of activities were designed throughout the country to observe 'Youm-e-Istehsal', which included public rallies, seminars, webinars, panel discussions and photo exhibitions.

With the active participation of Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, Pakistan’s diplomatic missions around the world were also arranging special events to raise global awareness about the Indian oppression in IIOJK.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Armed Forces have also expressed solidarity with the brave and resilient people of IIOJK in their just struggle for right to self-determination according to the UN Resolutions.

According to a statement by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal stated that continuation of inhumane military lockdown, the illegal measures to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory and the gross and systematic transgressions of human rights are all manifest violations of international law.

"Such actions coupled with Indian government's belligerent rhetoric and hostile actions continue to perpetuate humanitarian and security crises in IIOJ&K and pose a perpetual threat to regional security," the military's media wing said.

It stressed for resolution of Kashmir dispute according to UN Resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people saying it is imperative for enduring peace and stability in the region.

Paying rich tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK for their supreme sacrifices, the ISPR affirmed full support of Pakistan for provision of political, moral and humanitarian support to Kashmiris in their just struggle against tyranny and illegal subjugation.

Ahead of the 'Youm-e-Istehsal' on August 4, the foreign secretary briefed the Islamabad-based diplomatic missions on the situation in IIOJK.

He also highlighted the legal, security and human rights dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.