ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP): Pakistan missions and embassies in various capitals of the world, Tuesday, observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir to mark the 6th anniversary of India’s continued illegal actions of 5th August 2019, which was attended by a large number of Pakistani diaspora and Kashmiris.
Messages of President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif were read out during these events and special documentaries highlighting Indian atrocities in IIOJK were also screened.
LONDON:-
The Pakistan High Commission in London organised a Seminar/Webinar to observe “Youm-e-Istehsal”, denouncing India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, wherein it revoked the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).
The seminar was attended by Lord Qurban Hussain; Lord Shaffaq Mohammed; Chair of APPG on Pakistan Yasmin Qureshi MP; Chairman, UK-Pakistan Kashmiri Councillors Forum Mr. Liaqat Ali MBE; Khalid Mehmood, former MP; Dr. Sheikh Ramzy, Director Oxford Islamic Information Centre; Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Deputy Mayor of Newham; Councilor Amjad Abbasi; Ms. Shamim Shawl, Executive Member All Parties Hurriyat Conference; Ahmed Qureshi, International Journalist; Advocate Rehana Ali, Information Secretary Tehreek-e-Kashmir; Dr Abida Rafique, Chair of Asian Resource Forum Kashmir; social activists, academia and a large number of Kashmiris in UK.
Members of the British Parliament, lawyers, human right activists and the guest speakers condemned the action of Indian government to revoke Article 370-A illegally and unconstitutionally, 6 years ago. During their remarks, the speakers expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people, calling on India to halt human rights abuses in IIOJK. They underscored the urgent need to resolve the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. They suggested drawing up a road-map comprising of actions and activities for outreach to the UK Parliament and decision makers, for a just solution of the dispute.
During his key-note address at the seminar, High Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Faisal emphasized the importance of unity among Kashmiris and Pakistanis worldwide to effectively advocate for the Kashmir cause.
He strongly condemned India’s brutal tactics in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including arbitrary detentions of Hurriyat leaders, media suppression, communication blackouts, enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Dr. Faisal highlighted the nation’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s armed forces during Operation Bunyan Al-Marsoos, which led to the decisive success of Marka-e-Haq.
Prior to the seminar, the High Commission hosted a photo exhibition showcasing evidence of atrocities committed by Indian occupation forces in IIOJK.
The harrowing images served as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis and the necessity of a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Attendees also observed a minute of silence to honor the martyrs of Kashmir.
ABU DHABI:-
Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates observed the day to highlight India’s illegal steps aimed at altering the internationally recognized disputed status of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).
In his statement, Charge d’affaires Qasim Aziz highlighted the importance of observance of the Youm-e-Istehsal and recalled India’s brutality in IIOJK resulting in violation of fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people.
He referred to illegal actions of 5 August 2019 as a blatant violation of international law including the UN Charter and UN Security Council Resolutions.
He emphasized the need of international community’s active role in resolving the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with aspirations of Kashmiri people and pursuant to the UNSC Resolutions.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiri people in their just struggle for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.
TEHRAN:-
Embassy of Pakistan, Tehran organized an event to denounce the abrogation of article 35 A and 370 of the Indian constitution that guaranteed special autonomous status for Jammu & Kashmir on 5th August 2019. These actions were aimed at changing demography of the illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).
The event was attended by Pakistani nationals, students and media representatives in large number.
Prominent Iranian scholars Dr. Qasim Safi and Samaneh Khalafzadeh while addressing the audience highlighted the struggle of Kashmiris for their independence and right of self-determination.
They also appreciated the role of Pakistan and her leadership to support the Kashmir cause at every forum and raising the voice against human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
On the occasion, Deputy Head of Mission Ismat Hassan Sial mentioned that Iranian leadership has also given a great regard to struggle in Kashmir and at multiple times called upon the world community to break its silence on the human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir.
In her remarks, she said that Kashmiris were subjected to barbarism of Indian forces since October 1947. The Indian security forces have maimed, executed, murdered, blinded, raped, and suffocated the innocent Kashmiris.
“Pakistan has always been calling upon world leaders, international community including the United Nations, and all Human rights organizations to urge India to halt the brutal use of force against the people of Kashmir and resolve the issue diplomatically under the charter of the United Nations Security Council,” she added.
EGYPT:-
Pakistan Embassy in Cairo held a seminar on “Kashmir: A Bleeding Wound Shaking the Collective Conscience of the Free World” in observance of Youm-e-Istehsal.
The panelists in their presentations, condemned Indian occupation forces’ unabated state oppression on innocent Kashmiris, human rights violations, and questioned the malafide conviction and sentencing of Kashmiri political leadership and human right activists.
They expressed serious concerns at Indian government’s anti-Kashmiri and anti-Muslim policies, attempts to change the demography of the occupied territory by unilaterally and illegally changing the autonomous status of the region on 5 August 2019, and urged the international community to play a role in facilitating a just and peaceful solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UNSC resolution and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Ambassador Aamir Shouket in his remarks underscored necessity of immediate resolution of the Kashmir dispute to avoid a catastrophic nightmare in South Asia.
He stated that Kashmir and Palestine issues have remained unresolved for decades because India and Israel do not want the valiant people of Kashmir and Palestine to find peace. The Ambassador stated that the participation of varied and notably large gathering of Egyptian brethren today sends a strong message to the oppressed people in IIOJK and Palestine that we are standing behind them morally, politically and diplomatically.
The ambassador noted with satisfaction that Pakistan and Egypt have successfully defeated the menace of terrorism for the sake of peace, stability and development. The Ambassador concluded his remarks by stating that peace in South Asia and the Middle East will remain elusive till the resolution of the Kashmir and Palestine issues under the relevant UN resolutions and in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris and Palestinians.
A large number of intellectuals, journalists, students and Pakistani community members attended the event. A special documentary highlighting Indian state atrocities in IIOJK was also screened at the Seminar.
JORDAN:-
Pakistan Embassy in Jordan organized a seminar to mark Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation,Kashmir), highlighting the ongoing oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). The event was attended by distinguished members of the academia, think tanks, media, and other notables from Jordan.
Speakers strongly condemned the atrocities committed by Indian occupation forces in IIOJK and emphasized the urgent need to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
SOUTH AFRICA:-
High Commissioner Malik Farooq attended the Youm-e-Ishtehsal event in Cape Town organized by PASA Official.
He highlighted Indian atrocities in IIOJK & reaffirmed ‘s support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. Ganief Hendricks, Khalid Syed & local MPs also joined.
DHAKA;-
The High Commission observed “Youm-e-Istehsal” (Exploitation Day) to express solidarity with the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The event was attended by Pakistani community and the members of the mediapersons.
The speakers highlighted the human rights abused committed by the Indian forces. They reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to the just cause of the Kashmiri people to their freedom from the Indian illegal occupation.
TOKYO:-
The Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo observed the sixth anniversary of Youm-e-Istehsal. On this occasion, the embassy also organised a photographic exhibition to highlight the human rights situation in IIOK.
JEDDAH:-
An event to observe “Youme-Istehsal-e-Kashmir” was organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan and Pakistani community in Jeddah to express solidarity with Kashmiris in the face of Indian atrocities and violation of international laws and obligations.
On this day India officially revoked the autonomous status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and imposed direct central rule.
Key speakers on the occasion included Consul General of Pakistan Khalid Majid, Permanent Representative to the OIC Jeddah, Syed Fawad Sher, Chairman Kashmir Committee Jeddah, Masood Ahmed Puri and Chairman Jammu & Kashmir Community Overseas, Engineer Arif Mughal.
The speakers highlighted the genesis of the Kashmir dispute and the ongoing situation in the occupied territory; condemned illegal, immoral and unilateral actions of 5th August 2019 by India; paid homage and tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people; appreciated the positive role by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the OIC for Kashmir cause; and presented various proposals as future course of action for a peaceful and durable resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
A cross-section of the Pakistani and Kashmir community as well as representative of the ethnic media participated in the event in large numbers.
It was concluded with collective prayer for the martyrs of the Kashmir cause, early peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
DUBAI:-
The Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai, held an event to observe Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, marking the sixth anniversary of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, which aimed to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).
Several members from the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities residing in the UAE attended the gathering.
Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, underscored the significance of observing Youm-e-Istehsal as a symbol of support for the oppressed people of IIOJK.
He reiterated that India’s unilateral steps are a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the UN Charter.
He emphasized that these illegal actions have further aggravated the human rights situation in the occupied territory, but cannot suppress the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination.
The Consul General stressed that the only durable solution to the Kashmir dispute lies in its resolution in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant UNSC resolutions.
He reaffirmed that the just settlement of the Kashmir issue remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He assured that Pakistan will continue to extend unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for freedom.
Highlighting the current year’s significance, he referred to the success of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, victoriously carried out by Pakistan in response to Indian aggression, as a symbol of national resilience.
FRANCE:-
At the event held by the Embassy of Pakistan in France, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that six years ago, India took a set of illegal and unilateral actions on 5 August 2019 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by scrapping IIOJK’s special status and ending the last remaining semblance of autonomy.
She said that India took these measures to further consolidate its control over IIOJK; undermining its internationally-recognized disputed status; and to convert Kashmiris into a dispossessed and disempowered minority in their own land.
“The Jammu & Kashmir dispute is our national cause and the main pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan will therefore continue to call upon the international community to hold India accountable for its crimes in IIOJK.”
Prominent speakers while condemning India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019 as blatant violations of UNSC resolutions and international law the speakers demanded that the same must be reversed by the Indian Government.
They denounced Indian efforts to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory by issuance of domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris, introduction of new laws on ownership of land and redrawing electoral constituencies in IIOJK converting Kashmiris as a minority in their own land.
A large number of people representing Pakistani diaspora, academics, journalists, students and professionals participated in the event that highlighted the seven decades long legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
CANADA:-
The High Commission for Pakistan in Ottawa and the three Consulates General in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver solemnly observed the Youm-e-Istehsaal, marking the sixth anniversary of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 2019, when it revoked Articles 370 and 35-A of its Constitution to strip the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region of its special status.
A ceremony was held at the High Commission in Ottawa to express unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
A documentary illustrating the crimes committed in IIOJK was shown granting attendees a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the Kashmiris in IIOJK.
Photographic exhibition was also organized to display Indian atrocities. Moreover, one minute silence was also observed to express solidarity with people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle against India’s illegal occupation.
The events were attended by large number of Pakistani Diaspora members and friends of the Kashmir cause.
Addressing the participants on the occasion, High Commissioner Muhammad Saleem expressed that what India trumpeted as “integration,” is forced annexation attempt.
On August 5, 2019, India violated its own constitutional provision as Article 370—Kashmir’s fragile legal shield-was revoked. Pakistan condemned it as an illegal annexation. India called it “normalcy.”
After six years, India’s claim of reform has now exposed the failed narrative of integration. He called upon the UN, the international community, human rights organizations and global media to take urgent notice of the grave human rights violations in IIOJK, hold India accountable for its actions and support the Kashmiri people in their rightful quest for self-determination.