Youm-e-Istehsal being observed today against India’s illegal action of Aug 5, 2019

Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation) is being observed across the country today to register protest against Indian government’s illegal action of August 5, 2019.

Five years ago, the Hindutva-influenced BJP-led Indian government had illegally and unilaterally abrogated Article 370 and 35-A of the Indian constitution, revoking the Kashmir’s Special Status.

To express solidarity with Kashmiris, special walk has been organised from Foreign Office to D-Chowk, Islamabad,

A walk was be led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar while federal ministers, parliamentarians, political leaders of various parties, members of civil society, academia, students, and media persons also participated in the event.

The walk commenced at eight in the morning from the Foreign Office and reached D-Chowk at 8:45 am where Ishaq Dar  addressed the participants.

There was one-minute silence at 9:00am and all the moving traffic came to a halt.  National anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir was also be played on the occasion.

Besides, special walks and ceremonies are also being organized across the country, including all four provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir dispute and violations of the fundamental rights of Kashmiris will be highlighted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to travel to Muzaffarabad with the view to express solidarity with Kashmiris. The prime minister will give a policy statement regarding the Youm-e-Istehsal.

PTV, Radio Pakistan and other media organizations will air special transmissions and highlight the leaders of Kashmir’s freedom struggle, sacrifices of Kashmiris, and Indian atrocities against innocent civilians in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir.