Brussels
The Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels marked Youm-e-Istehsal on Monday with a solemn ceremony, renewing Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle for self-determination.
The event was held to commemorate five years since India’s controversial and unilateral move on August 5, 2019, to revoke Article 370 of its constitution — stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. The move was widely condemned in Pakistan and drew criticism from human rights organizations globally.
Messages from the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Minister were read aloud during the gathering, all reiterating the country’s firm stance on the Kashmir dispute and paying tribute to the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, strongly condemned India’s actions in IIOJK, describing them as a clear violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“The Indian government’s steps taken on and after August 5, 2019, are illegal, unconstitutional, and aim to suppress the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” Ambassador Qureshi said. “Pakistan will continue to raise its voice for Kashmiris at every international forum.”
He also called on the global community, particularly the European Union, to take notice of the grave human rights situation in Kashmir and to hold India accountable for its actions.
The ceremony concluded with a special prayer for the martyrs of Kashmir and for the success of the Kashmiri freedom struggle.
