Youm-e-Istehsal (05 August 2023) observed by Pakistanis and Kashmiris across the world

On 05 August 2023, Pakistanis and Kashmiris across the world including in Bosnia & Herzegovina solemnly observed the Youm-e-Istehsal to mark four years since Indian Government, through a “Presidential Order”, destroyed the façade of its commitment towards the Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by not only withdrawing the so-called “special status” granted to IIOJK by scrapping Article 370 but also revoking Article 35 (A) of the Indian Constitution whereby the non-residents from anywhere in India were allowed to purchase property in the occupied territory, thus clearing the path for sinister Indian design to change the existing demographic pattern in the IIOJK.

Since the above illegal actions of 05 August 2019, Indian Government has continued with massive human rights violations in IIOJK. The manner in which India is attempting to silence the voice of Kashmiris and their true leadership/representatives illustrates India’s blatant disregard of its international legal obligations.

Pakistan firmly opposes India’s actions of 05 August 2019 and has taken up the issue at all international fora, including the UN Security Council. Pakistan firmly opposes any Indian moves that seek to divide and bifurcate IIOJK as well as change its demographic structure to further dilute the distinct identity of the Kashmiris; and perpetuate Indian occupation of IIOJK. Indian actions to impose demographic changes on IIOJK is a clear violation of international law including the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the 4th Geneva Convention. These measures have been vocally and vigorously rejected by the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well as by the Government and people of Pakistan. The international community, international human rights organizations, and particularly the United Nations and its human rights mechanism should take cognizance of the human rights violations being committed by Indian Occupation Forces in the IIOJK and ensure peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions as well as the wishes of the Kashmiri people.