Pakistan's top leadership has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on the occasion of 'Youm-e-Istehsal' (Day of Exploitation), marking six years since India’s revocation of the region’s special constitutional status.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condemned India’s "illegal and unilateral actions" of August 5, 2019, which he said were aimed at altering the demographic makeup and political identity of the disputed region, in violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“Youm-e-Istehsal is a sobering reminder of India’s rejection of peace and its investment in brutality and unilateralism,” said Prime Minister Sharif. “The continued denial of basic human rights, dignity and identity of Kashmiris is a recipe for regional instability.”
The Prime Minister accused India of sustaining its occupation through what he called a decades-long regime of “state terrorism and oppression,” while praising the resilience and defiance of the Kashmiri people. He specifically mentioned jailed Kashmiri leaders including Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, and Masarrat Alam Bhatt, asserting that their imprisonment would not weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people.
Sharif also linked the Kashmir issue with recent regional tensions, referring to India’s “unprovoked aggression” against Pakistan in May 2025 and the subsequent Pakistani military response, calling it “swift and comprehensive.” He urged the international community to recognize Kashmir as the “defining conflict” of South Asia and prioritize its resolution.
In a separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari echoed these sentiments, calling India’s 2019 actions an attempt to “undermine the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.”
He outlined a series of Indian measures over the past six years—such as redrawing electoral constituencies, issuing domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris, and implementing new land ownership laws—which he said were intended to disenfranchise Kashmiris and change the demographic structure of the region.
“The Kashmiri people are confronted with the danger of becoming a disempowered community in their own land,” said President Zardari. “Their genuine leadership remains behind bars. The local media has been silenced, and fundamental freedoms curtailed.”
Referring to India’s recent military actions and Pakistan’s response through 'Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos' , the President stated that the developments underscored the urgency of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Both leaders reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to support the people of IIOJK until they achieve their internationally recognized right to self-determination.
It's worth mentioning that 'Youm-e-Istehsal' marks the anniversary of India's move in 2019 to revoke Article 370 of its Constitution, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan does not recognize this move and considers the territory as disputed.
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