4th Anniversary of Youm-e-Istehsal

The 4^th Anniversary of Youm-e-Istehsal was observed in the Chancery today, on the completion of four years of Indian imposition of inhuman and unjustified military siege and blockade of communication in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since 5^th August 2019. Participants who attended the event were from Pakistani diaspora, locals, academicians, students and representatives ofmedia.

The event started with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Special messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan for Youm-e-Istehsal were read out.

Ambassador Muhammad Saeed Sarwar highlighted the history of Jammu & Kashmir dispute, ongoing atrocities and human rights violations being perpetrated by the Indian occupying forces on helpless innocent people of IIOJK, particularly since 5^th August 2019.

He underscored that the India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5^th August 2019; whereby it revoked the special status of IIOJK were aimed at changing its demographic structure. He also underlined that these acts were blatant violations of several UNSC Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and international law.

The relentless Indian state-terrorism includes the extra-judicial killing of more than 650 innocent Kashmiris since 5^th August 2019, unprecedented restrictions on freedom of speech, fake encounters, cordon-and-search operations, custodial torture and deaths, enforced disappearances, detention of Kashmiri leadership, use of pellet guns especially targeting the Kashmiri youth, destruction and burning of houses to impose collective punishments on the Kashmiris and other methods of suppression. However, the occupation forces’ cold-bloodedness has not been able to break the will of the Kashmiri people. Indian actions have not only been rejected by Kashmiris but also Pakistan and international community.

Special documentaries highlighting Indian atrocities in IIOJK were screened, banners and posters were also displayed demonstrating the brutalities of Indian occupation forces and displaying the resolve of brave and courageous people of IIOJK.

Dushanbe

5^th August 2023