Pakistan marked Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation), to mark India’s revocation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special autonomous status, on August 5, 2025. Both federal government and military leadership provided unwavering support to people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K). Furthermore, both condemned India’s actions while calling upon international bodies to uphold Kashmiris’ rights.
Government Leaders Express Strong Condemnation Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made clear in an official address: “Pakistan stands firm on its commitment to the just resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.” He called for international intervention to halt human rights violations committed by New Delhi as part of their unilateral decisions on August 5, 2019, which he considered illegal, contrary to international norms, and against UN resolutions. Dunya News +4, Geo News +4 and Radio Pakistan +4 issued strong condemnations of such actions against these decisions
Civil and military officials echoed this position by emphasizing their unwavering solidarity with Kashmiris on India’s “pursuit of brutality and unilateralism.” They noted how depriving Kashmiris basic rights and identity only serves to increase regional instability, according to Aaj English TV +2 Khyber News +2.
Nationwide Rallies and Solidarity Events Major rallies and seminars took place throughout Pakistan, with educational institutions leading large-scale gatherings that featured students, teachers and civil society representatives all showing solidarity with Kashmiris by demanding self-determination as per UN resolutions, according to Business Recorder +13 and KMS News respectively.
Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir capital, witnessed hundreds of protestors–political activists and members of civil society–chanting anti-India slogans and demanding restoration of Jammu & Kashmir statehood (AP News).
Pakistan Embassy in Beijing Held Solemn Commemoration with Global Messaging On January 10, 2016, Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing hosted a solemn commemoration featuring messages from Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister. Each of them expressed Pakistan’s strong moral, political and diplomatic support for Kashmiri self-determination while condemning India’s demographic and political changes within IIOJ&K [Iranian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K). [reuters.com +12 KMS News + 12 Aaj English TV].
Context and Significance
Every August 5th marks Youm-e-Istehsal Day – an anniversary commemorating India’s annulment of Articles 370 and 35A that dissolve Jammu & Kashmir’s autonomous status by partitioning it into two federally administered union territories. Pakistan opposed this move and advocated on Kashmiris behalf under international law and UN resolutions, according to The Express Tribune and Wikipedia (including dawn.com ) respectively (The Express Tribune + 13 Wikipedia +13 for example ).
Political and Regional Implications
This year’s commemoration comes amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, most notably their military escalation and subsequent ceasefire in May 2025. Pakistan reiterated the Kashmir dispute as key to its foreign policy agenda while calling for renewed international involvement to avoid further destabilization of Geo.
What Lies Ahead
Pakistan will likely maintain its diplomatic initiatives, such as pressing for implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and pressuring international bodies to intervene against alleged human rights abuses. Furthermore, advocacy should increase globally while legal avenues may be explored to emphasize Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
–For comprehensive global coverage of Kashmir protests and regional responses, see the Associated Press (AP) report on Youm-e-Istehsal and other major international responses.