ISLAMABAD: Youm-e-Istehsal was observedin Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir marking fifth anniversary of Indian government’s illegal action taken on this day in 2019 and to show solidarity with Kashmiris. 

Observance of Youm-e-Istehsal is aimed at conveying message to world that Kashmiris do not accept India’s illegal occupation and reject illegal moves of August 5, 2019 when it repealed special status of occupied Kashmir.  Modi regime in gross violation of United Nations resolutions and international law scrapped Articles 370 and 35A of Indian Constitution that granted special autonomous status to occupied Kashmir and imposed military siege in territory.  In response to controversial move, government of Pakistan designated August 5 as Youm-e-Istehsal in 2020. This day is now observed annually in Pakistan as reaction to Kashmir’s status change.  Discussions related to commemoration of day were held at meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Meeting was attended by ministers and senior government officers who briefed prime minister on observance of day.  Joint main event of Pakistani and Kashmiri leadership was approved for day, with Prime Minister Shehbaz visited Muzaffarabad to show solidarity with Kashmiris.  Other plans for Youm-e-Istehsal included special walk to mark day, as well as ceremonies across all provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.