The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC organized a solemn event to mark the fifth year of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The event, known as “Youm-e-Istehsal” (Day of Exploitation), was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including academics, human rights activists, civil society representatives, diplomats, think tank members, Pakistani Americans, and members of the media. Special messages from The President and Prime Minister were read out on the occasion. Video message of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan was also played. Their messages reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic, political, and moral support for the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for the right to self-determination. On August 5, 2019, India illegally revoked the special status of IIOJK,, a move that has had devastating consequences for the region. Since then, India has intensified its military crackdown, imposed communication blackouts, systematically suppressed dissent, and attempted to change the demography of IIOJK to preempt the results of a future United Nations (UN) plebiscite as per UN resolutions. In her remarks, Chargé d’Affaires (a.i), Dr. Fareha Bugti, emphasized Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination. She condemned India’s illegal actions and called for the international community to play its role for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UNSC resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiris. The event featured powerful testimonies from a diverse group of speakers including Mushaal Hussein Mullick Peace & Human Rights Advocate, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai Secretary General Kashmir Awareness Forum, Dr. Mohsin Ansari President of Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Col. Wesley Martin American political analyst; Dr. Imtiaz Khan from George Washington University, Oussama Jammal Secretary General at US Council of Muslim Organizations (UCMO), and Zahid Bukhari Executive Director at Centre for Islam and Public Policy (CIPP) among others highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation. Speakers at the event expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK urging India to cease human rights violations. They emphasized the urgent need to resolve the longstanding Jammu & Kashmir dispute under relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions. A photo exhibition at the embassy showcased the human rights atrocities committed by Indian occupation forces against innocent Kashmiris followed by a documentary titled “Unheard: The Invisible Trauma of Kashmiris” highlighting the ongoing struggle for freedom.
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