Pakistan observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir on August 5 to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir, as it marks two years of Indian occupied Kashmir’s (IoK) military siege.
Two years ago, on August 5 2019, the Narendra Modi government revoked the territory’s special status, withdrawing the autonomous status that the Kashmiris and Pakistan have vehemently opposed since then.
PM Imran vows to continue to raise his voice for rights of Kashmiri people
Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a series of tweets, condemned India’s continuous “inhuman military siege” and “unprecedented oppression” in occupied Kashmir.
“…the world has witnessed unprecedented oppression in IIOJK (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir) by Indian Occupation forces. It is also witnessing Indian efforts to force demographic change and destroy Kashmiri identity.”
He praised the people of occupied Kashmir for remaining “undaunted in their struggle for self determination” and vowed to continue to raise his voice for their rights “till Kashmiris are allowed to decide their future according to UNSC resolutions”.
Resolution of Kashmir dispute imperative for peace: COAS Bajwa
The Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR), the military’s media wing, quoted Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa as saying that the “continuation of inhuman military siege, machinations to bring demographic changes and gross violations of human rights and international laws are perpetuating humanitarian and security crises in IIOJ&K” that imperil regional security.
In another tweet, the ISPR added that the “resolution of Kashmir dispute as per UN Resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people is imperative for enduring peace and stability in the region.”
Bilawal pledges to continue to be an advocate for the Kashmiri people
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said India’s controversial, unilateral and illegal decision to revoke Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was a desperate attempt to suppress the Kashmiris’ movement for independence.
“The siege of Occupied Kashmir by occupying Indian forces will always be remembered as a dark chapter of history”, said Bilawal. “The world must rouse from its slumber on the Kashmir issue, and I won’t stop until it does,” he went on to add.
Solidarity walks arranged in main cities
A host of events were arranged to denounce the Indian unilateral, illegal actions against the Kashmiri people. Solidarity walks of one mile were arranged in all the main cities, including the federal capital.
The participants of the walks wore black bands and carried the flags of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. A one-minute silence was observed across the country while traffic was also halted for a minute, and sirens were sounded.
Pakistanis will not rest until occupied Kashmir is liberated: President Alvi
Speaking to a rally in Islamabad, President Alvi said no Pakistani will rest until occupied Kashmir, under Indian military siege, is liberated.
“Pakistan will liberate occupied Kashmir,” he said. “Let me warn India that Pakistan is a strong nation,” he added.
Pakistan will continue to support oppressed Kashmiris: Qureshi
A rally was also arranged at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark the day. Speaking to the media, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan will continue to support oppressed Kashmiris.
“A day will come when they get the freedom from Indian occupation. Indian Aug 5 actions have been rejected by the people of Kashmir and the rest of the world,” he noted.
CM Sindh Murad Saeed leads pro-Kashmir rally in Karachi
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah led a rally in support of the people of occupied Kashmir in Karachi. The participants of the rally had black bands tied around their arms as a symbol of protest against Indian atrocities.
Provincial ministers, corps commander Karachi, Sindh inspector general of police and other notable personalities participated in the rally.