August 5: A stark reminder of India’s illegal move in occupied Kashmir

(Web Desk): It has been six years since India unilaterally and illegally revoked the special status of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Today, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the globe are observing Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation).

On this occasion, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, issued a statement reiterating that the Pakistan Armed Forces support the Kashmiri people in their struggle for the right to self-determination.

The Armed Forces, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief of Air Staff have also reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of Occupied Kashmir.

According to the ISPR, the Kashmiris' struggle is in line with international laws and UN Security Council resolutions, and the occupation of Kashmir by Indian security forces is a violation of international norms.

The ISPR further stated that India's attempts to change the demographic makeup of Occupied Kashmir also violate international principles. India's oppressive measures and provocative statements are destabilizing the region, and its aggressive actions are prolonging the humanitarian crisis in the region.

ISPR emphasized that lasting peace in South Asia is not possible without a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and that the solution must be in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions.

The armed forces also paid tribute to the martyrs of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed their commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people in their legitimate struggle for freedom.

Prime Minister's Message on Youm-e-Istehsal

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Youm-e-Istehsal, said that the nation reaffirms solidarity with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters, and strongly condemns India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019.

The Prime Minister stated that India's actions are a violation of UN resolutions and international laws, and that India is conspiring to change the demographic and political structure of Occupied Kashmir. He said Youm-e-Istehsal is a grave reminder of India’s brutality and hostility to peace.

He added that India’s denial of Kashmiris’ basic human rights and identity is the main cause of regional instability.

President’s Message on Kashmir Youm-e-Istehsal:

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said that on August 5, 2019, India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, aiming to weaken the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

He said India has taken several steps to alter the demographic and political landscape of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including arbitrary delimitation and adding non-Kashmiris to voter lists, which are part of India’s long-term strategy.

President Zardari said that after August 5, 2019, India intensified its oppression in Occupied Kashmir, and that Kashmiris are being made powerless in their own homeland, facing threats, unwarranted arrests, and blockades.

He concluded by stating that Pakistan will continue its political, diplomatic, and moral support for the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people until they achieve their goal.