Pakistan observes Kashmir Exploitation Day, leaders renew support for Kashmiris

Pakistan marked Kashmir Exploitation Day on August 5 with nationwide rallies, public events, and messages of solidarity as political leaders reaffirmed their support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Leaders from across the political spectrum described India’s constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, as unlawful and contrary to international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The observance was aimed at highlighting Pakistan’s continued support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination while urging the international community to play a more active role in addressing the longstanding dispute.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s political, diplomatic, and moral support for Kashmiris, stating that the country would continue standing with them until they could exercise their internationally recognized right to self-determination. He also urged India to reverse the constitutional measures introduced in August 2019.

The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to raising the Kashmir issue at regional and international forums. A spokesperson praised the resilience of the Kashmiri people and called on the global community to uphold international law and implement relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to families affected by the Kashmir conflict and appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organizations to address alleged human rights violations in the region. She described the events of August 5, 2019, as an attack on the identity and rights of the Kashmiri people.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also condemned India’s constitutional changes, saying they violated UN Security Council resolutions. He urged the international community to play a stronger role in ensuring the protection of human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani criticized attempts to alter the demographic composition of the disputed territory and emphasized that the Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of its people and relevant UN resolutions.

In Peshawar, a solidarity rally led by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi saw government employees, civil society members, and citizens march from the Civil Secretariat to the Governor House while carrying Pakistani and Kashmiri flags. Addressing participants, Kundi reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for Kashmiris.

Sindh Interior and Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar stated that restrictions and the use of force could not weaken the determination of the Kashmiri people. Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah also urged the United Nations to take more effective steps regarding the situation in Kashmir.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said the Kashmiri struggle would continue until the dispute was resolved according to United Nations resolutions. Senator Sherry Rehman praised the resilience of the Kashmiri people, while Federal Minister Amir Muqam reiterated Pakistan’s support during a separate rally in Islamabad.

PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari maintained that India’s constitutional changes had failed to weaken the Kashmiri movement for self-determination and warned that continued policies in the region could affect peace and stability.

The observance concluded with renewed calls from Pakistan’s political leadership for greater international engagement on the Kashmir issue. Leaders urged the United Nations and the wider global community to work toward a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.