Message from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on‘Youm-e-Istehsaal_
Islamabad : 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 of India’s illegal and unilateral actions taken since 5 August 2019 to
alter 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 investment in 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. India’s occupation cannot be sustained by any normal means, and it has thus 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 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 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 more proof of the indomitable courage of the Kashmiri people.
India’s illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir remains the defining conflict of the South Asia region, and the driver of 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 Kashmir dispute becomes a global priority. The will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions are the only path forward.
On this day, I wish to reiterate that seeking a just resolution of the Jammu and 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 and 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.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
