President Asif Ali Zardari said today that Pakistan observes the sixth anniversary of India’s unlawful actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) with solemnity.

In a message on the Youm-e-Istehsal, Zardari said on August 5, 2019, India revoked IIOJK’s special status, dividing it into two “Union Territories,” altering its internationally recognized disputed status, and undermining Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

Over the past six years, Indian officials have implemented policies to alter IIOJK’s demographics and political structure. These policies include redrawing electoral boundaries, adding non-Kashmiris to voter lists, issuing domicile certificates to outsiders, increasing the Lieutenant Governor”s administrative authority, and enacting new land ownership regulations.

The President stated: Since August 5, 2019, India has intensified its suppression in IIOJK, threatening to marginalize Kashmiris in their homeland. Kashmiri leaders remain imprisoned. Intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and “cordon and search” operations have become commonplace. Local media is suppressed, restricting freedom of expression and assembly. Most critically, Kashmiris are denied their right to self-determination.”

He said this year’s “Youm-e-Istehsal” holds added importance given India’s recent hostility towards Pakistan. While Pakistan celebrates the success of “Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos,” the day also emphasizes the need for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, as per UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, to achieve enduring peace in South Asia.