Embassy of Pakistan, Kyiv observed 5^th August 2024 as Youm-e-Istehsal in a solemn and dignified manner and expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Besides all Embassy staff & families, the event was also attended by representatives of Islamic Culture Center of Ukraine and student community of Pakistan studying in Ukraine / Kyiv.

The event started with recitation of Holy Quran, which followed the reading of the message of President of Pakistan, observance of one-minute silence, reading the messages of Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, screening of documentary received from the Ministry, solidarity comments by Mr. Murat Sulimanov, Mufti, Religious Organization “Ummah” and concluded with Dua for the people of Kashmir, Palestine and Muslim Ummah.

Speaking to the audience on the occasion, H.E. Ambassador Major General Retd. Nadir Khan, highlighted the background of the Kashmir issue, and its significance for Pakistan. Salient points covered in H.E.’s address includes:

          Kashmir dispute is awaiting resolution since 1948 when United Nations Security Council Resolution promised a plebiscite for Kashmiris so that they can determine their future. However, India continues to deny them their inalienable right of self-determination on one pretext or other.

          Today marks the completion of five years of India’s latest campaign to consolidate its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. On this day, five years ago, India took a number of unilateral and unlawful steps in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to undermine its internationally-recognized disputed status.

          The continued presence of hundreds of thousands of Indian troops has turned IIOJK into one of the most heavily-militarized zones in the world. The gross human rights violations in IIOJK have been documented extensively and condemned globally.

          Since 5 August 2019, India has embarked upon a ceaseless campaign to alter the demographic structure and political landscape of IIOJK. Issuing domicile certificates to outsiders, registering temporary residents in the voters’ lists, gerrymandering of Assembly constituencies, and modification of land and property ownership laws are some key features of this campaign.

          Today, in IIOJK, efforts are being made to silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people and muzzle the media. The number of political prisoners remains in thousands, while 14 political outfits have been outlawed. 

          We salute the indomitable courage of the Kashmiri people that has enabled them to withstand every Indian attempt to subjugate them. There is no doubt that India’s coercive methods have failed to diminish their yearning for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.

          History has proven, time and again, that durable peace in South Asia remains contingent upon the settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. In the interest of lasting peace and security in South Asia, India must move from dispute denial to dispute resolution.

          The international community must urge India to halt the human rights violations in IIOJK; reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019; repeal the draconian laws; and implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

The prominent Muslim Ukrainian, Head of Ummah in Ukraine, Mr. Dillaver Saidakhmetov, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the human rights abuses in the IIOJK, Palestine, Syria and other parts of the Muslim world. He emphasized the need to create awareness among the Ukrainians about the Kashmir issue to garner further support for the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for self-determination.

The event concluded with prayers (Dua) offered for the people of Kashmir, Palestine and Muslim Ummah.

  Kyiv,                                                                                                                

August 06, 2024