Islamabad (GNP): On Kashmir Youm-e-Istehsal, the government and people of Pakistan renewed their unwavering support for the Kashmiri people. The day serves as a reminder to the world of the serious consequences stemming from India’s unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which attempted to change the internationally recognized disputed status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) — a move that violated international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Seven years later, these unlawful measures have failed to change the region’s legal status or weaken the resolve of its people. Instead, they have led to intensified repression, eroded basic freedoms, and accelerated efforts to alter the region’s demographic makeup through unlawful legislative and administrative steps. The statement raised concern over the continued suppression of genuine Kashmiri political leadership, restrictions on civil liberties, and curbs on independent media in the region.
Despite these challenges, the statement emphasized that the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people remain intact, noting that their peaceful struggle for self-determination continues to inspire people worldwide and draw support from those committed to justice and international law.
The statement described the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as the central unresolved issue threatening peace in South Asia, arguing that lasting stability can only come through a peaceful resolution reflecting the wishes of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions — not through force or unilateral measures. It called on the international community to move past mere statements of concern and take concrete steps toward resolving the dispute.
Pakistan urged the international community to press India to end human rights violations in IIOJK, reverse the unilateral measures imposed since August 2019, repeal restrictive laws affecting the region’s residents, and create conditions that would allow the Kashmir dispute to be resolved through the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
The statement paid tribute to the courage and resilience shown by the people of IIOJK over the past seven years, noting that daily life for millions of Kashmiris has remained severely restricted since August 2019 — with families facing uncertainty, young people facing limited opportunities, and entire communities bearing the weight of prolonged instability. Despite these hardships, it said, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have remained committed to pursuing justice and determining their own future.
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Pakistan reaffirmed its continued moral, political, and diplomatic backing for the people of IIOJK, pledging to keep raising the issue at international forums until the dispute is resolved in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
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.
