Pakistan HC observes Exploitation Day in solidarity with Kashmiris

The High Commission of Pakistan in the Maldives, on Saturday, celebrated Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation) in solidarity with Kashmiris.

The occasion was celebrated at a function held at Pakistan High Commission situated in Hulhumale’ and was attended by High Commissioner of Pakistan to Maldives Vice Admiral (Retired) Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani, Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad and Pakistani and Maldivian fellows.

Pakistan marks August 5 as Day of Exploitation in protest of India’s unilateral strike down of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution on August 5, 2019 – which are provisions of the constitution gave which gave special status to Kashmir.

Pakistan stresses that this is a blatant violation of the Shimla Agreement between the two countries and the United Nations Security Council's binding Resolutions 47, 51, 80 and 91, which embody the principle that "final disposition of the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations (UN)."

Speaking at the function, High Commissioner Gilani said India’s actions “were designed to permanently occupy the disputed territory and erase its distinct Kashmiri character”.

He stressed that India must fulfill its obligations to the Security Council by granting the Kashmiri people their lawful right to self-determination.

“We have no doubt that durable peace and stability in South Asia can only be achieved through a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” he added.

High Commissioner Gilani also commended the indomitable will and courage of the Kashmiri people and their inextinguishable yearning for freedom.

Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain, who also spoke at the ceremony, assured Pakistan’s continued resolute support to the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination.

He also highlighted the sacrifices made by three generations of Kashmiris in their struggle for the right to self-determination.

During the function, a documentary on Jammur and Kashmir was showcased, while special prayers were offered for the martyrs of Kashmir and the freedom of Kashmir.