Pakistan marks Youm-i-Istehsal with Kashmir appeal

Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership on Wednesday tied lasting peace in South Asia to a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute, as the country observed Youm-i-Istehsal, or Exploitation Day, to mark the anniversary of India’s 2019 move on occupied Kashmir’s special status.

The observance has become an annual political and diplomatic event in Pakistan, with officials using the day to renew support for the people of occupied Kashmir and to highlight the unresolved nature of the dispute. According to Dawn, President Asif Ali Zardari said the day was being marked to reaffirm Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir.

In his statement, the president paid tribute to what he described as the courage and resilience of Kashmiris and said they continued to seek their right to self-determination. He said seven years had passed since India’s actions of August 5, 2019, which revoked the region’s special autonomy.

Zardari said those steps could not alter the legal status of the dispute or diminish the resolve of the Kashmiri people. He also said that millions of people in Jammu and Kashmir had lived under severe restrictions for years, affecting daily life, opportunities for young people and the wider stability of communities in the region.

Pakistan, he said, would continue to offer moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of occupied Kashmir. He added that Islamabad would keep raising the issue at international forums until the dispute was resolved in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The statement reflects Pakistan’s long-standing position on Kashmir and comes as the country again used Youm-i-Istehsal to press its case for international attention on the issue. The day is typically used in official messaging to underline Pakistan’s view that the Kashmir dispute remains central to peace in the region.

For Pakistan, the message was clear: South Asia cannot achieve durable stability without a peaceful resolution of Kashmir. That stance remains a fixed part of the country’s diplomatic posture, especially on anniversaries linked to the 2019 decision.

FAQs

What is Youm-i-Istehsal?

It is an annual observance in Pakistan used to draw attention to the Kashmir dispute and express solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir.

What did Pakistan’s president say?

President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan would continue supporting the Kashmiri people and raise the issue internationally until it is resolved under UN Security Council resolutions.

Why is August 5 significant?

Pakistan marks the date to remember India’s 2019 revocation of occupied Kashmir’s special autonomy.