The 5th Anniversary of Youm-e-Istehsal was solemnly observed today at the Pakistan Embassy in Niamey. This day marks the completion of five years since the imposition of an inhuman and unjustified military siege and blockade of communication in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by India on 5th August 2019. The event was attended by members of the Pakistani diaspora, locals, academicians, students, and representatives of the media.

The event commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem of Pakistan. Special messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of Pakistan for Youm-e-Istehsal were read out, expressing solidarity with the people of IIOJK.

Documentaries highlighting the atrocities committed by Indian forces in IIOJK were screened, and banners and posters were displayed, depicting the brutalities of the Indian occupation forces and showcasing the resolve of the brave and courageous people of IIOJK.

Ambassador Mr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey provided a detailed account of the history of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, emphasizing the ongoing atrocities and human rights violations perpetrated by the Indian occupying forces against the helpless and innocent people of IIOJK, especially since 5th August 2019.

He underscored that India's unilateral and illegal actions on 5th August 2019, which revoked the special status of IIOJK, were aimed at altering its demographic structure. He highlighted that these acts were blatant violations of several United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and international law.

The Ambassador also detailed the relentless Indian state-terrorism, which includes the extrajudicial killing of more than 650 innocent Kashmiris since 5th 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 particularly targeting the youth, and the destruction and burning of houses to impose collective punishments on Kashmiris.

Despite the cold-blooded actions of the occupation forces, the will of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken. Indian actions have been rejected not only by Kashmiris but also by Pakistan and the international community.

The event concluded with a collective resolve to continue supporting the struggle of the people of IIOJK for their right to self-determination, in accordance with the UNSC resolutions.

Pakistan Embassy Niamey

5th August 2024