Islamabad: Today, Pakistan marks Youm-e-Istehsal to protest the Indian government’s revocation of Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019. The day is a reflection on the unilateral actions taken by the Indian government, which include the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A of the Indian constitution, widely condemned as illegal under international law.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the observance began with a minute of silence at 9 AM, during which all traffic came to a standstill, followed by the playing of the national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. Media organizations such as Radio Pakistan and PTV are running special broadcasts today, focusing on the ongoing freedom struggle in Kashmir, the sacrifices of its people, and the severe human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir.
In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), various groups including the Kashmir Liberation Commission, Hurriyat organizations, and local trade unions, have organized protest gatherings and anti-Indian rallies. These events have seen widespread participation from political parties, journalists, and members of civil society.
Throughout AJK, banners and posters denouncing Indian actions and highlighting instances of state terrorism and barbarism in Kashmir are prominently displayed. In addition, documentaries detailing the events of August 5, 2019, deemed illegal and immoral by international standards, are being shown on large screens across major cities.