Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan is observing Youm-e-Istehsal today to show unwavering solidarity with the resilient and courageous people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
It was on August 5, 2019 that the special Constitutional Status of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was scrapped by the fascist Modi government.
To denounce the Indian unilateral illegal actions against the Kashmiri people as well as the atrocities being carried out by the Indian forces in IIOJK, a host of events were arranged throughout the Country.
On the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff, along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and the Pakistan Armed Forces, released the following statement:
The Armed Forces of Pakistan fully support the legitimate and ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
The continued illegal occupation of IIOJK by Indian security forces—characterized by an unrelenting military siege, systemic human rights violations, and demographic engineering—constitutes a grave breach of international norms and remains a matter of deep concern. India’s repressive actions, coupled with its belligerent posture and incendiary rhetoric, serve only to exacerbate regional instability and perpetuate human suffering.
It is unequivocally evident that durable peace in South Asia remains unattainable without the just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions.
The Pakistan Armed Forces pay solemn tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK and reiterate their enduring commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people in their just and rightful struggle for freedom.
Message from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on ‘Youm-e-Istehsaal’
On this Youm-e-Istehsal, the Government of Pakistan and I reaffirm the unwavering solidarity of the Pakistani people with our Kashmiri sisters and brothers. We reiterate our strongest condemnation and rejection of India’s illegal and unilateral actions taken since 5 August 2019 aimed at altering the demographic structure, and political landscape of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), in complete defiance of international law, norms and principles, as well as the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Youm e Istehsal is a sobering reminder of India’s rejection of peace and stability and its pursuit of a policy of brutality and unilateralism. The continued denial of the basic human rights, dignity and identity of Kashmiris that live under India’s illegal and unconscionable occupation is a recipe for regional instability. Realizing that it’s illegal occupation cannot be sustained by any other means, India has doubled down on a nearly eight-decade regime of state terrorism and oppression. The brave Kashmiri people have endured this brutality with incredible dignity. Today is a day for all Pakistanis, and all peace-loving people of the world, to salute the unwavering resilience and heroic spirit of sacrifice of the Kashmiri people.
Efforts to silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people are part of the wider hegemonic and extremist agenda that informs India’s illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir. The imprisonment of Kashmiri leaders and activists, including Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Masarrat Alam Bhatt will never dim the resolve of our Kashmiri sisters and brothers. The continued defiance of Kashmiris in an environment of unending intimidation across the illegal Indian occupation is further proof of the indomitable courage of the Kashmiri people.
India’s illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir remains the defining conflict in South Asia and the reason for India’s continued rogue behavior. India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan in May 2025, and its swift and comprehensive military defeat are only the latest evidence of the urgent need for the international community to ensure that resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute becomes a global priority. Honouring the will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions provides the only path forward towards lasting peace in South Asia.
On this day, I wish to reiterate that seeking a just resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute remains a key pillar of our foreign policy and call upon the international community to urge India to halt its human rights crimes in IIOJK; reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019; repeal the draconian laws; and implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu & Kashmir.
Pakistan reaffirms its unflinching stance and moral, political, and diplomatic support to its Kashmiri sisters and brothers till the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.
