Islamabad, August 5, 2025: Pakistan on Tuesday marked Youm-e-Istehsal with nationwide rallies, official statements, and a unanimous National Assembly resolution, reaffirming its unwavering diplomatic, political, and moral support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for the right to self-determination.
The day commemorates the fifth anniversary of India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, which revoked the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) — a move Pakistan and Kashmiri leaders have consistently condemned as a violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s strong message
In a powerful statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that Pakistan stands in unflinching solidarity with the Kashmiri people, vowing to support their just cause until they achieve their inalienable right to self-determination.
“We reiterate our strongest condemnation and rejection of India’s illegal and unilateral actions aimed at altering the demographic structure and political landscape of IIOJK, in complete defiance of international law and UN Security Council resolutions,” the prime minister said.
He described Youm-e-Istehsal as a “sobering reminder of India’s rejection of peace” and “pursuit of brutality and unilateralism,” warning that continued oppression in Kashmir remains a recipe for regional instability.
Shehbaz Sharif also referenced the recent May 2025 military confrontation with India, stating that New Delhi’s “unprovoked aggression and swift defeat” once again underlined the urgent need for resolving the Kashmir dispute as a global priority.
“The brave Kashmiri people have endured decades of oppression with incredible dignity and resolve. Today, we salute their unwavering courage and heroic sacrifices,” he said, urging the international community to press India to reverse the actions of August 5, repeal draconian laws, and implement UN resolutions.
NA passes unanimous resolutions
The National Assembly of Pakistan unanimously adopted two resolutions condemning India’s actions of August 5, 2019.
- The first resolution, presented by Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam, condemned India’s continued oppression in Kashmir, declaring August 5 as the blackest day in the region’s history.
- The second, presented by PPP MNA Shazia Marri, emphasized that India’s unilateral moves could not alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. It called the region “an unfinished agenda of Partition” and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Kashmiris on all international platforms.
The resolutions also criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s call for protests on August 5 as “regrettable,” given the solemnity of the day for Kashmiris.
Rally in Islamabad
A large rally was held in Islamabad, starting from the Foreign Office and culminating at D-Chowk, where senior government leaders, politicians, Hurriyat representatives, students, and citizens participated to express solidarity with Kashmiris.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while addressing the rally, demanded India revoke all actions taken on August 5, 2019, end repressive measures in IIOJK, and lift the media blackout that continues to stifle voices in the region.
“Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute. No unilateral law or court decision within India can resolve it,” Dar said, warning that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. He cited Pakistan’s strong military response during the recent “Marka-e-Haq” as evidence of national resolve.
Dar also condemned reported plans by Indian authorities to grant statehood to Jammu while keeping Kashmir Valley as a Union Territory, calling such moves provocative and unacceptable.
Federal ministers echo support
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described Kashmir as Pakistan’s jugular vein, expressing hope that the day is not far when Kashmiris will exercise their right to self-determination. “We are firmly standing with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and will continue to raise their voice on every global platform,” he said.
Engineer Amir Muqam reiterated that Kashmiris have never accepted illegal Indian occupation, and stressed Pakistan’s continued diplomatic, political, and moral support for their just struggle.
