Hon’ble Ladies & Gentlemen, السلام وعلیکم 

On 5 August 2019, India undertook a series of unilateral and illegal actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that sought to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of the territory and undermine the rights and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. These actions represented a grave challenge to the established international framework governing the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and have further intensified the hardships faced by the people of the territory.

Today, the people of Pakistan observe Youm-e-Istehsal to express solidarity with the resilient people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who continue to face grave challenges in the pursuit of their legitimate right to self-determination. We reaffirm our unwavering support for their fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and reflected in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The actions of 5 August 2019 and the subsequent measures remain a matter of deep concern. These steps have further complicated efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia and have adversely impacted the lives, rights, and freedoms of the Kashmiri people. The international community must play its role in ensuring respect for international law, international humanitarian law, human rights, and the commitments made under the United Nations framework.

Pakistan continues to call upon India to cease all actions that undermine the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and to take steps conducive to creating an environment for the peaceful resolution of the dispute. We reiterate that lasting peace and stability in South Asia can only be achieved through the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We will continue to raise our voice for their rights at all international fora and support efforts aimed at achieving a just and peaceful settlement of the dispute.

On this day, we pay tribute to the resilience, courage, and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan stands in steadfast solidarity with them and will continue to extend its unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support to their just struggle for the realization of their legitimate right to self-determination.

We call upon the international community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfill its long-overdue responsibilities and make meaningful efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.