In observance of Youm-e-Istehsal, Pakistan commemorated the fifth anniversary of India’s contentious decision to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. This day acts as a remembrance of the measures taken by the Indian government on August 5, 2019, when the BJP government led by Narendra Modi revoked Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution. The elimination of these provisions, which gave the area particular autonomy, has been strongly criticized by Pakistan, Kashmiris, and the international world.
To show support for the Kashmiri people, a special walk was organized from the Foreign Office to D-Chowk in Islamabad. Under the direction of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, legislators, political figures from different parties, members of civil society, academics, students, and media representatives attended the event. The march demonstrated the people and government of Pakistan’s unanimity in endorsing the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
All moving traffic stopped at nine in the morning, and there was a nationwide one-minute quiet. The playing of the national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir represented solidarity with and support for the people of Kashmir. The leaders of the Kashmiri liberation movement, the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people, and the continuous atrocities carried out by Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir (IIOJK) were all highlighted in special broadcasts by Radio Pakistan, PTV, and other media sources.
As the day came to an end, Pakistan reiterated its steadfast support for the people of Kashmir and urged the international community to hold India responsible for its activities in the area.
