Pakistan Marks Youm-e-Istehsal in Solidarity with Kashmir

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Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsal on August 5, 2025, to protest India’s 2019 revocation of Article 370, reaffirming support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

On August 5, 2025, Pakistan solemnly commemorated Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation) to express unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The day marks the sixth anniversary of India’s unilateral decision to revoke Article 370 of its constitution on August 5, 2019, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. This move, widely condemned by Pakistan, triggered widespread restrictions in the region, including communication blackouts and increased military presence. Nationwide events, including rallies and a one-minute silence at 10:00 AM, were held across Pakistan’s provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to honor the Kashmiri struggle.

The central rally in Islamabad, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saw participation from government officials, civil society, and students, who carried banners denouncing India’s actions. Assistant Commissioner Syed Arsalan Shah, speaking at a solidarity walk in Dera Ismail Khan, emphasized that Youm-e-Istehsal sends a clear message rejecting India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy. He stated that Pakistan stands firm in its support for Kashmiri self-determination, as enshrined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), representing Pakistan’s armed forces, issued a statement endorsed by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, alongside the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff. The statement condemned India’s ongoing occupation of IIOJK, citing systemic human rights violations and demographic changes as violations of international norms. It reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s legitimate struggle for freedom.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a public address, described India’s actions as a grave breach of international law, urging global intervention to address the humanitarian crisis in IIOJK. He emphasized that Pakistan’s foreign policy prioritizes a just resolution to the Kashmir dispute. Events worldwide, including seminars in Pakistan’s embassies in Jordan and Tehran, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Kashmiris, reinforcing Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to keep the issue alive on international platforms.