Latest news with #Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Ministers lead Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir rallies
The Sindh government and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir on Tuesday with a large rally condemning India's revocation of Article 370 and its continued human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Led by provincial ministers Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, the rally began at People's Chowrangi and concluded at Mazar-e-Quaid. Hurriyat leader Advocate Parvez Ahmed, PPP lawmakers, senior officials, and a large number of citizens and students participated, waving Kashmiri and Pakistani flags and holding portraits of Kashmiri freedom fighters. Addressing the rally, Ghani said August 5 is marked annually to denounce India's illegal actions and reaffirm Pakistan's support for Kashmiris. He emphasized that the abrogation of Article 370 violates UN resolutions and international law. Nasir Shah expressed hope that the days of oppression in Kashmir would soon end, crediting Pakistan's armed forces and national unity for resisting Indian aggression. Zulfiqar Ali Shah urged the UN to act against Indian atrocities. Hurriyat leader Parvez Ahmed thanked the Sindh Government and PPP for amplifying Kashmir's voice globally, recalling Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's pledge to fight for Kashmir's freedom.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Youm-e-Istehsal: Punjab Assembly expresses solidarity with Kashmiris
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, while also holding detailed discussions on flood-affected areas and the arrest of opposition assembly members. Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, presented the resolution in the house, which received full support from all political parties. The resolution condemned India's illegal actions on August 5, 2019, when it unilaterally altered the constitutional status of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The assembly rejected this aggressive move as a violation of international law and UN resolutions. It reaffirmed Pakistan's diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris, emphasizing their right to self-determination as per UN resolutions. The resolution strongly denounced India's human rights violations in Kashmir, calling them a blatant breach of the Geneva Conventions. It also dismissed India's claims over Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Kashmir dispute must be resolved strictly in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The house demanded India releases all political prisoners, halt atrocities, and grant unrestricted access to international media and journalists in Kashmir. The assembly also saluted the resilience and bravery of Kashmiri people in their struggle against Indian occupation. The session, presided over by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, commenced nearly three hours behind schedule. Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, in his message on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, stated that August 5, 2019, marks the darkest chapter in Kashmir's history. On this day, India illegally revoked the special status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, brutally stripping Kashmiris of their fundamental rights. Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan emphasized that India has employed oppression, coercion, and tyranny against Kashmiris for the past 78 years, yet their struggle for freedom continues with unwavering determination. He asserted that India's illegal occupation of Kashmir is a blatant violation of United Nations resolutions, while the Kashmiri people's resistance enjoys global support. He warned that India's disregard for international law has severely jeopardized regional peace. The presence of nearly one million Indian troops in the region stands as undeniable proof of New Delhi's repression. 'The sacrifices of Kashmiris bear witness to their unbreakable resolve — they have not bowed before oppression, nor will they ever,' he declared. Expressing hope for Kashmir's liberation, the Speaker said, 'The day is not far when the sun of freedom will rise over the occupied valley.' Pakistan People's Party Parliamentary leader in Punjab Assembly Ali Haider Gillani raised concerns over the rising water levels in the Indus and Chenab rivers, which have submerged several villages, particularly in South Punjab, including Multan. He demanded immediate relief for affected communities and a detailed briefing in the assembly. In response, Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman stated that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) was actively monitoring the situation and issuing alerts in high-risk areas. However, he acknowledged that many residents hesitate to evacuate due to concerns over livestock and belongings. He also informed the house that the Punjab Chief Minister had announced cash rewards for over 850 rescue workers during a cabinet meeting. Gillani delivered an impassioned speech, accusing India of betraying Kashmir's freedom. He claimed that since the revocation of Kashmir's special status, 28,000 Kashmiris have been imprisoned, with economic losses exceeding $4.5 billion. He also accused the Modi government of killing 1,009 civilians, including 136 women and 205 children Opposition Leader Ali Imtiaz Warraich strongly condemned the arrest of nine assembly members and workers during a peaceful protest outside DHA Rahbar. He accused Punjab Police of raiding the rally, damaging vehicles, and unlawfully detaining participants despite the demonstration being entirely peaceful. Warraich demanded their immediate release and warned that if the members were not freed, the parliamentary party would convene to decide on further action. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan assured the house that he had contacted relevant authorities, and the detained members would be released soon. He also condemned the recent altercation between two lawmakers, Hassan Riaz and Khalid Dogar, pledging to mediate between the government and opposition to resolve the issue. Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar condemned the mistreatment of lawmakers—including vandalism of vehicles and tearing of clothes—as an insult to the assembly's dignity. Rana Muhammad Arshad, Chief Whip of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), addressed the assembly, emphasizing the party's historic role in advocating for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. He stated that the leadership of PML-N has always played a crucial part in supporting Kashmir, which he described as the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan. He asserted that the attempt to separate Kashmir from Pakistan was a conspiracy orchestrated by the British and Hindus. Speaking on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, Arshad highlighted that this day holds deep historical significance rather than being a new observance. He recalled that in 2016, then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had taken a firm stance at the United Nations, demanding that Kashmiris be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions. Arshad also referenced India's illegal annexation of occupied Kashmir on August 5, 2019, during the tenure of the PTI government. He criticized the PTI administration for limiting its support to symbolic protests on Fridays, which, according to him, yielded no tangible results. He stressed that August 5 would forever be remembered as the darkest day in Kashmir's history. The PML-N leader further addressed India's aggression, recalling that when India launched attacks on Pakistan on May 5 and 6, a strong response was delivered on May 10 by Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who decisively struck the enemy on its own soil, securing victory for Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Danyal terms India's Aug 5 action ‘the darkest chapter in Kashmir's history'
ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, strongly denounced India's continued occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, terming August 5 as 'the darkest chapter in Kashmir's history' during a memorial event held at Viqar-un-Nisa College to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir. Addressing students and dignitaries, Chaudhry said the revocation of Article 370 was 'not just constitutional vandalism, but a calculated attack on the identity and rights of the Kashmiri people.' He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for Kashmiris and vowed that the nation would continue to stand as an 'iron wall' in solidarity with their struggle. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Direct flights from Quetta approved to facilitate Arbaeen pilgrims: Khawaja Asif
Listen to article The federal government has authorized the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta to facilitate Shia pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told the National Assembly on Tuesday. 'To mitigate these risks, the federal government authorized the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta,' he said, 'allowing pilgrims to travel safely by air to their destinations'. He informed the House that overland travel along the 800-kilometre route from Quetta had been restricted due to serious security concerns, particularly the threat of terrorist attacks targeting pilgrim convoys. قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس کے دوران وفاقی وزیر برائے دفاع خواجہ محمد آصف کا عراق اور ایران جانے والے زائرین کے لئے مہیا کردہ سفری سہولیات کے حوالے سے اظہار خیال #NASession @KhawajaMAsif — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 5, 2025 Asif said one such flight has already been launched and the government is vying for either two flights daily or at least one regular service to meet growing demand. He said arrangements have also been made for onward transportation from airports in Iran and Iraq to the pilgrims' intended sites. The minister added that advertisements were issued over the past four days inviting private airlines to operate on the route, and that all licensed carriers have been granted permission. Chartered flights have also been approved to maximize safe travel capacity. Read: Six MPAs arrested in Punjab as PTI launches 'nationwide' protest 'These measures are aimed at offering maximum facilities while avoiding the security hazards of road travel,' he said, urging potential operators and the market to take full advantage of the permissions granted. He said the matter had also been discussed during the recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, after which Iran had allowed an additional flight to support the movement of Pakistani pilgrims. 'I want to assure the House and the people across Pakistan that the government is fully committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and timely transportation for all Arbaeen pilgrims,' he added. Resolution on Youm-e-Istehsal The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day), condemning India's actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), amid heated protests and sloganeering by opposition members. During the session, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, on a point of order, said, 'today is being observed as Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, but you are observing Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Imran (Imran Exploitation Day).' قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس کے دوران وفاقی وزیر برائے امور کشمیر، گلگت بلتستان اینڈ سٹیٹس اینڈ فرنٹیئر ریجنز انجینیئر امیر مقام نے یوم استحصال کشمیر کے موقع پر اظہار خیال کرتے ہوئے قرارداد یوم استحصال کشمیر پیش کی جو ایوان نے متفقہ طور پر منظور کی#NASession @AmirMuqamAM… — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 5, 2025 He added that the latter 'could have been observed on another day.' Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the opposition had an equal role in upholding the dignity and smooth functioning of the House. The opposition staged a protest over not being allowed to speak. 'The Prime Minister went to the opposition leader's seat and said, 'come, let's talk'." He claimed that under the guise of peaceful protest, armed groups had launched attacks. He questioned whether the Kashmir day or PTI's exploitation narrative was more important, prompting another round of opposition uproar. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq urged calm and requested the House to allow Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam to present a resolution on Kashmir first. Muqam appealed to the opposition to permit passage of the resolution, assuring them they could protest afterward. The opposition paused their protest to allow the resolution. Amir Muqam, presenting the resolution, said India continues to unleash atrocities on the Kashmiri people. 'India unilaterally and illegally abrogated Articles 370 and 35A,' he said, adding that thousands of youth had been martyred, children orphaned, and women widowed. Read more: Six MPAs arrested in Punjab as PTI launches 'nationwide' protest 'Despite these atrocities, the love for Pakistan in the hearts of Kashmiris has not diminished,' he said. The resolution, moved by Muqam, condemned India's actions of August 5, 2019, termed them a violation of the Geneva Conventions, and denounced Indian statements regarding Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. It called for the implementation of UN resolutions and demanded access for UN observers to IIOJK. Later in the session, PTI MNA Aamir Dogar criticized the government, saying, 'You have sentenced our members to ten years each.' He added, 'if everyone is thrown out, what kind of House is this?' and claimed that ten MNAs were 'lifted' from the House without any action from the Speaker. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq responded by asking, 'Did I not issue production orders?' Dogar claimed that Sheikh Waqas Akram's applications had been submitted to the Speaker's office. 'You subjected MNAs to political victimization,' he said. 'The PTI founder is in jail because he refused to bow down. Had he bowed, he would've been in this House,' he said. 'If all of this is to be done, then lock down the House.'
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
DPM Dar urges India to grant Kashmiris right to self-determination
Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan's longstanding stance that India must grant the people of Kashmir their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions. Ishaq Dar addressed participants at a rally held in Islamabad to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day). "We will continue to extend diplomatic, political, and moral support to the Kashmiri people until their inalienable right to self-determination is realized". The rally started from the Foreign Office and culminating at D-Chowk, with participation from federal ministers, politicians, Hurriyat leaders, students, and citizens from various walks of life. He emphasized that India must "revoke all illegal actions taken on August 5, 2019, end its oppressive measures in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and lift the media blackout in the region." نائب وزیراعظم اور وزیر خارجہ، سینیٹر محمد اسحاق ڈار ، کا یومِ استحصَال کے موقع پرویڈیو پیغام بھارت گزشتہ 78 برسوں سے کشمیری عوام کو ان کے حقِ خودارادیت سے محروم رکھے ہوئے ہے۔ 5 اگست 2019 کے بعد اس نے ظلم و جبر، آبادیاتی تبدیلی، ذرائع ابلاغ پر قدغن ، اور سیاسی کارکنوں کی گرفتاری… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 4, 2025 Dar stated that "Pakistan will continue to extend diplomatic, political, and moral support to the Kashmiri people until their inalienable right to self-determination is realized." He underscored that "Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute, and its future cannot be determined through internal legislation or court rulings." The Deputy Prime Minister also voiced concern over media reports suggesting Indian authorities are attempting to "grant statehood to Jammu while retaining the Kashmir Valley as a Union Territory," calling such moves "unacceptable and provocative." Reiterating Pakistan's stance, Dar said "Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence, but its commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness." He added: "Islamabad desires friendly relations with all neighboring countries and prefers dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation." However, he warned that "Pakistan's armed forces and its people are fully capable of delivering a resolute response to any act of aggression, as demonstrated during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum-Marsoos." Read: PM reaffirms Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with Kashmiris Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, who was also presnt at the rally, said "Kashmir is our jugular vein and we are firmly standing with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters." He expressed confidence that "the day is not far when Kashmiris will be granted their inalienable right to self-determination to decide their fate." Tarar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to "continue raising voice of the Kashmiris at all world fora." Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam said, "August 5 is the blackest day in the history of Kashmir when India had revoked special status of Kashmir to illegally change the demography of the state." He added "Kashmiris have never accepted illegal Indian occupation on Kashmir." Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the just resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute was a key pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy and urged the international community to play a role in halting Indian human rights crimes in IIOJK. In his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsaal, the prime minister urged the global community to press India to reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019; repeal draconian laws and implement UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir. COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with the CJCSC, naval chief, chief of air staff and the Pakistan Armed Forces have reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the resilient and courageous people of IIOJK. The armed forces of Pakistan fully support the legitimate and ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in international law and UN Security Council resolutions, the statement read. Youm-e-Istehsaal is being observed to express support for the Kashmiri people's right to freedom, and to protest India's illegal and unilateral action of August 5, 2019. It was on this day in 2019 when India unilaterally and illegally stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
