The Pakistan Embassy in Washington commemorated Youm-e-Istehsal (Exploitation Day), marking six years since India revoked Article 370, stripping Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) of its special status.

The observance began with a minute of silence to show solidarity with the people of IIOJK. The embassy held a webinar, ‘A Threat to Kashmiri Identity,’ featuring experts, scholars, community representatives, embassy and consulate officials, and media. The event examined human rights violations in IIOJK, urging a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Messages from Pakistan”s President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister reaffirmed support for the people of IIOJK.

Speakers included Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Senator (R) Mushahid Hussain Syed, Ambassador (R) Munir Akram, and Dr. Victoria Schofield. They condemned India’s actions in the region, warning of its impact on regional and global peace.

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted the significance of the day Kashmiris lost their special status. ‘The brutal history of repression took its most dangerous turn on August 5, 2019,’ he stated. He also noted the renewed international focus on Kashmir.

Dr. Schofield advocated for dialogue, mediation, and an inclusive peace process, emphasizing Kashmiri involvement. Senator Syed criticized India”s Hindutva ideology, praising former President Trump”s offer of mediation and recognition of Kashmir as a core issue.

Ambassador Akram and Dr. Fai emphasized UN Security Council resolutions supporting Kashmiri self-determination, noting India”s violations. Dr. Fai highlighted human rights abuses, including land confiscation. Ambassador Akram stressed the obligation of UN members to comply with Security Council resolutions.

The webinar supported internationalization and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, with Ambassador Sheikh thanking participants and reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmiri people”s right to self-determination.