On the anniversary of India’s revocation of Kashmir’s special autonomy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) have condemned India’s “illegal” and “hostile” actions in the region. The nation marked four years since New Delhi stripped Kashmir of its special status, triggering widespread human rights abuses and a tumultuous security situation.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people, who have endured hardships in the wake of India’s unilateral annexation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He decried the demographic changes, issuance of fake domiciles, internet shutdowns, information blackout, and the imprisonment of Kashmiri leaders, stating that India aimed to undermine the region’s internationally recognized status and its people’s right to self-determination.
The ISPR, Pakistan’s military media wing, joined the condemnation, emphasizing that India’s inhumane military lockdown and attempts to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory are blatant violations of international law. They highlighted India’s belligerent rhetoric and hostile actions as contributing to humanitarian and security crises in the region, posing a perpetual threat to regional stability.
President Dr. Arif Alvi echoed the nation’s stance, asserting that durable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed that India’s actions in IOK could not legitimize its occupation, nor suppress the true sentiments of the Kashmiri people. He urged the international community to demand an end to India’s gross human rights violations, repeal of its illegal actions, and implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
A rally was held in Islamabad to express solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris, with participants from all walks of life voicing support for Pakistan and the Kashmiri people. The Adviser on Kashmir Affairs, Qamar Zaman Kaira, paid tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination.
On August 5, 2019, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revoked Article 370, which granted special status to occupied Kashmir. This move allowed people from other parts of India to acquire property and settle in the region, leading to concerns about demographic changes and dilution of Muslim-majority Kashmir’s identity.
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Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir issue on international forums, advocating for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination through a free and fair plebiscite under UN auspices.
As Pakistan observes “Youm-e-Istehsal,” it reiterates its unwavering support for the Kashmiri people in their just struggle against oppression and illegal subjugation. The call for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute remains central to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
