Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsal, reaffirms solidarity with Kashmiris

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday observed Youm-e-Istehsal, reaffirming solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and highlighting its stance regarding the situation in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In a statement issued on the occasion, the Government of Pakistan said the day serves as a reminder of the consequences of India’s actions of August 5, 2019, which Pakistan describes as illegal and unilateral measures aimed at altering the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The statement said that seven years after those measures, the legal status of Jammu and Kashmir remains unchanged and the aspirations of its people have not been diminished.

Pakistan said the situation in IIOJK had instead resulted in increased restrictions on fundamental freedoms, suppression of political voices and attempts to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory through legislative and administrative steps.

The statement expressed concern over restrictions on civil liberties, limitations on independent media and the continued suppression of Kashmiri political leadership.

Pakistan said the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people remained strong, adding that their struggle for the right to self-determination continued to receive support from those advocating justice, human dignity and international law.

The government reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a major unresolved issue affecting peace and stability in South Asia.

It said lasting peace in the region could only be achieved through a peaceful settlement of the dispute according to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan called upon the international community to play an active role in seeking a peaceful and lasting resolution of the dispute instead of limiting efforts to expressions of concern.

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The statement reaffirmed that the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Pakistan said it would continue to provide diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people and raise the issue at regional and international forums.

The government also urged the international community to call on India to end alleged human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse measures introduced since August 2019 and create conditions for resolving the dispute through the exercise of the right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.