Islamabad (Web Desk): Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir today (Wednesday) to reaffirm its unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their internationally recognised right to self-determination, while condemning India's decision of August 5, 2019.
It was on this day in 2019 that India unilaterally and illegally stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, the action which has since then been rejected by the international community, Kashmiris and Pakistanis alike.
Since then, Islamabad has consistently rejected the decision, alongside the people of Kashmir, insisting that the region's disputed status remains unchanged.
Marking the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate messages reaffirming Pakistan's steadfast solidarity with the Kashmiri people. They praised their courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to pursuing their right to self-determination despite years of hardship.
The two leaders said Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir serves as a reminder to the international community of the repercussions of India's unilateral actions in August 2019, describing them as a clear breach of international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
They stressed that, despite the passage of seven years, India's decision has neither altered the internationally recognised legal status of Jammu and Kashmir nor weakened the resolve of its people to seek their legitimate rights.
President Zardari and PM Shehbaz pledged that Pakistan would continue highlighting the Kashmir issue at every relevant international platform until the longstanding dispute is resolved.
They further stated that lasting peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without a settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The president and the premier urged the international community to press India to end what Pakistan describes as human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reverse the measures introduced in August 2019 to pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on India to halt all measures that, seek to undermine the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said India's actions on August 5, 2019, were unilateral and illegal attempts to alter the territory's status, adding that they challenged the established international framework governing the Kashmir dispute while worsening the hardships faced by the people living there.
Dar urged New Delhi to adopt measures that would help create an atmosphere conducive to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.
He also appealed to the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), to fulfil what he described as its long-overdue responsibility by making meaningful efforts to resolve the dispute.
DPM Dar said durable peace and stability in South Asia remain closely linked to a settlement of the Kashmir dispute that reflects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and complies with relevant UN resolutions.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue extending its moral, diplomatic and political support to the people of Kashmir in their pursuit of self-determination.
Meanwhile, special events are being held across Pakistan to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir.
A central rally has been organised on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad, where federal ministers, lawmakers and people from different segments of society are expected to participate.
Sirens were sounded and a one-minute silence was observed at 9am, while rallies are also taking place throughout the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.