Pakistani Embassy in Algeria Commemorates Youm-e-Istehsal: A Call for International Action Against India’s Revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s Special Status

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | August 6th, 2024 — On August 5, 2024, the Pakistani Embassy in Algeria commemorated Youm-e-Istehsal (‘Day of Exploitation’), a day of significant reflection and protest against India’s actions regarding Jammu and Kashmir. The observance underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination and highlighted the escalating human rights situation in the region.

Background and Context

Youm-e-Istehsal is annually observed to mark the anniversary of India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019. This decision, which bifurcated the region into two Union Territories, was widely criticized as an attempt to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move has been seen as undermining the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as endorsed by multiple United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The dispute over Jammu and Kashmir has been a long-standing issue on the UNSC agenda, with numerous resolutions affirming the right of Kashmiris to a democratic plebiscite to determine their future. Despite this, India has been accused of systematically denying these fundamental rights since it assumed control of the region in 1947.

Ambassador Gudaro’s Address

In his address at the Youm-e-Istehsal event, Pakistani Ambassador to Algeria, Khalid Hussain Khan Gudaro, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people. Ambassador Gudaro condemned India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, as violations of international law and UNSC resolutions, including the 4th Geneva Convention. He emphasized that these actions have exacerbated the plight of Kashmiris, leading to increased resistance and heightened international scrutiny.

Ambassador Gudaro detailed the severe human rights abuses reported in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since the revocation of its special status. These abuses include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression, religion, and the press. The ambassador highlighted the increasing international condemnation of these practices, noting that India’s actions have further discredited its purported secular and democratic credentials.

International Reactions and Support

The international community has shown significant concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in IIOJK. Various human rights organizations, international media, and parliamentarians have raised their voices against the ongoing abuses. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has consistently supported the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and has called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in line with international law and UNSC resolutions.

Pakistan’s Call to Action

Ambassador Gudaro’s speech reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international law and UNSC resolutions regarding Kashmir. Pakistan continues to call on the international community to demand that India:

• Reverse all illegal and unilateral measures taken since August 5, 2019.
• Cease widespread human rights abuses and release Kashmiri political leaders and activists held in arbitrary detention.
• Halt illegal demographic changes in IIOJK and ensure compliance with international legal obligations.
• Allow unfettered access for international human rights organizations and media to investigate and report on the situation in IIOJK.

Future Prospects

The Pakistani government remains resolute in its support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination. Ambassador Gudaro’s address emphasized the need for continued international pressure on India to adhere to its international commitments and to address the Kashmir issue comprehensively.

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