By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan observed Youm-e-Istehsal on Wednesday, marking the seventh anniversary of  India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which sought to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), with the nation's leadership reiterating unwavering support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X and an official message, declared that India's actions of August 5, 2019, have failed to alter the disputed status of the territory.

He asserted that the measures, which he described as illegal and in violation of international law, have instead "deepened repression, undermined fundamental freedoms, and accelerated attempts to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory".

The Prime Minister reiterated that a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, remains a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

He called on the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and play a role in advancing a just and durable resolution.

President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a statement, asserting that India's actions "cannot change the legal status of the dispute, nor can they weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people".

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed a letter to the UN Secretary-General, urging renewed efforts to implement relevant UNSC resolutions to enable the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination.

The country's military leadership, including the Chief of Defence Forces and services chiefs, expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), describing the continued occupation as marked by a "military siege, rampant human rights violations and attempts to alter the demographic composition of the territory".

A solidarity walk was held in Islamabad, led by the Foreign Secretary, with participation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials. Similar commemorative events were held at Pakistan's diplomatic missions abroad to raise international awareness.

The 2019 actions by India, which included the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A, have been met with international concern. The Kashmir dispute has remained on the UN Security Council's agenda for over seven decades, with Pakistan maintaining that a just settlement is essential for durable peace in South Asia