Today, Pakistan observed Youm-e-Istehsal to mark the fourth anniversary of India’s contentious decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This day commemorates the Indian government’s actions on August 5, 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) abrogated Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution, which had granted special autonomy to the region. The move has faced widespread condemnation from Pakistan, Kashmiris, and the international community.
In Islamabad, a special walk from the Foreign Office to D-Chowk was organized to show solidarity with the people of Kashmir. The event was led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and included participation from federal ministers, lawmakers, political leaders from various parties, civil society members, academia, students, and media representatives. The walk demonstrated the unified stance of Pakistan’s government and its people in supporting the Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination.
At 9 AM, a one-minute silence was observed across the country, with all traffic coming to a standstill. The national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were played, symbolizing unity and support for the Kashmiri cause.
Radio Pakistan, PTV, and other media outlets dedicated special broadcasts to the occasion, highlighting the leaders of Kashmir’s freedom struggle, the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, and the ongoing human rights violations by Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The day concluded with a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri people and a call for the international community to hold India accountable for its actions in the region.
