ISLAMABAD —
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), declaring their right to self-determination as the only viable path toward lasting peace in the region.
In a message marking Youm-e-Istehsal, the premier described the Kashmir dispute as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and called on the international community to hold India accountable for its ongoing human rights violations in the occupied territory.
“Today is a day for all Pakistanis — and all peace-loving people around the world — to salute the resilience and unwavering sacrifices of the Kashmiri people,” Shehbaz said. “The government of Pakistan and I stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters.”
The prime minister urged global powers to press New Delhi to reverse its “unilateral and illegal” move of August 5, 2019, when India revoked Article 370 of its constitution, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. He also called for the repeal of what he termed “draconian laws” imposed in the region and for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Referring to India’s recent aggression in May 2025 — which Pakistan claims resulted in a swift and decisive military response — Shehbaz said the incident highlighted the urgency of resolving the Kashmir issue in the interest of regional stability and global peace.
“The will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, are the only way forward,” he emphasized, reaffirming Pakistan’s political, moral, and diplomatic support for Kashmiris until they achieve their legitimate right to self-determination.
Youm-e-Istehsal — observed annually on August 5 — marks the day in 2019 when India unilaterally altered the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, a move widely rejected by Pakistan and Kashmiri leadership as illegal under international law.
To commemorate the day, the government has organized a series of events across the country and abroad. In Islamabad, a solidarity rally was scheduled to begin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conclude at D-Chowk, bringing together dignitaries, activists, and citizens from all walks of life. A one-minute silence was observed at 10 a.m. to honor the Kashmiri victims of oppression.
Similar rallies and awareness events were held across all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistani embassies and missions overseas also marked the occasion with special programs to highlight the ongoing plight of the Kashmiri people.
