ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s civil and military leadership on Wednesday reaffirmed its support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Youm-e-Istehsal, declaring that India’s actions of August 5, 2019, had not changed the internationally recognised disputed status of the territory. The country’s leadership also urged the international community to support a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The day marks the anniversary of India’s decision in 2019 to revoke Article 370 of its Constitution, which had granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan observes the occasion annually to express solidarity with the people of IIOJK and to reiterate its diplomatic position on the longstanding dispute.

Leadership Reiterates Pakistan’s Position

More than 100 words into the national observance, Youm-e-Istehsal remained the central message as President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan stood in “unwavering solidarity” with the people of IIOJK and paid tribute to what he described as their courage and resilience.

The president said India’s decision of August 5, 2019, could not alter the legal status of the disputed territory or weaken the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to raising the issue at international forums until it is resolved in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan observed the day to remind the international community of what he described as the consequences of India’s unilateral actions in August 2019. He stated that those measures had neither changed the legal status of IIOJK nor diminished the aspirations of its people.

The prime minister also expressed concern over restrictions on political activity, civil liberties, and media freedom in the region. He said a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute remained essential for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.

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Foreign Minister and Military Echo Support

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remained committed to supporting the people of IIOJK and called on the international community to uphold international law and relevant UN commitments.

He urged India to avoid actions that, according to Pakistan’s position, undermine the disputed status of the territory and pledged continued diplomatic, political, and moral support for the Kashmiri people.

In a separate statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with the chiefs of the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force, reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of IIOJK.

The military said a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UNSC resolutions, remains essential for regional peace and stability.

Background to Article 370

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution had granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy, including its own constitution and authority over most internal matters.

On August 5, 2019, the Indian government revoked the provision, bringing the region under the full application of the Indian Constitution. India maintains that the move fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir into the country and promotes development and governance in the region.

Pakistan rejects the decision and continues to regard Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory whose final status, according to its position, should be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.