Pakistan Armed Forces Back Kashmiris on Youm-e-Istehsal

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Pakistan’s military reaffirms support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Youm-e-Istehsal, condemning India’s 2019 actions.

On August 5, 2025, Pakistan’s armed forces, led by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reiterated their unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during Youm-e-Istehsal, an annual observance marking India’s revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military leadership, including the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff, condemned India’s ongoing occupation as a violation of international law and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. They emphasized Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, a principle enshrined in UNSC resolutions.

The ISPR statement described India’s actions in IIOJK as a “grave breach of international norms,” highlighting an unrelenting military siege, systemic human rights violations, and demographic engineering aimed at altering the region’s Muslim-majority identity. The armed forces paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs and pledged continued moral and diplomatic backing for their struggle. The statement underscored that durable peace in South Asia hinges on a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and UNSC resolutions.

Youm-e-Istehsal events across Pakistan, including rallies in Islamabad and Quetta, saw participation from government officials and civil society. A one-minute silence was observed nationwide at 10:00 AM to honor Kashmiri sacrifices. Pakistani missions abroad, such as in Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, held seminars and photo exhibitions to highlight India’s alleged atrocities, with speakers like Charge d’Affaires Qasim Aziz urging global action to address human rights violations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the military’s stance, calling the Kashmir issue a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and urging the international community to reverse India’s 2019 actions. He condemned the imprisonment of Kashmiri leaders like Yasin Malik, asserting that their resolve remains unbroken despite India’s oppression. The military’s firm stance, coupled with nationwide observances, underscores Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmiri cause amid ongoing regional tensions.