
PM reaffirms Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with Kashmiris
In his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsaal, which is being observed on Tuesday (today), the prime minister urged the global community to press India to reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019; repeal draconian laws and implement UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.
"Today is a day for all Pakistanis, and all peace-loving people of the world, to salute the unwavering resilience and spirit of sacrifice of the Kashmiri people," he said. "The government of Pakistan and I reaffirm the unwavering solidarity of the Pakistani people with our Kashmiri sisters and brothers."
He said that India's unprovoked aggression against Pakistan in May 2025, and its swift and comprehensive military defeat were only the latest evidence of the urgent need for the international community to ensure that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute becomes a global priority.
"The will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions are the only path forward," Shehbaz said. He reaffirmed Pakistan's unflinching stance, moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people till the realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination.
Youm-e-Istehsaal is being observed to express support for the Kashmiri people's right to freedom, and to protest India's illegal and unilateral action of August 5, 2019. It was on this day in 2019 when India unilaterally and illegally stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
Special events have been organised to mark the day. A rally will be taken out in Islamabad from the Foreign Office, which will be joined in by dignitaries and people from different walks of life before concluding at D Chowk. One minute silence will be observed at 10am.
Special walks and events will be held across all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistani missions abroad have also organised special events in connection with the Youm-e-Istehsaal.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
10 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
FO rubbishes Zelenskyy's mercenary claims
Listen to article Pakistan has rejected the "baseless and unfounded" claim of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Pakistani nationals were fighting as mercenaries in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, the Pakistani government said it had not been approached formally by Ukrainian authorities, nor had it received any verifiable evidence to support such allegations. "The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine," the statement read. "Government of Pakistan shall take up this matter with the Ukrainian authorities and seek clarification in this regard." Pakistan reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. The response came hours after President Zelenskyy, during a visit to frontline positions in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, claimed that foreign fighters from several countries, including Pakistan, had joined Russian forces in the ongoing war. "Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond," Zelenskyy posted on X. Zelenskyy had previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fightersan allegation Beijing denied. Kyiv has also alleged that North Korea deployed thousands of troops in support of Russian forces in the Kursk region. Despite repeated allegations of foreign mercenary involvement, independent verification of such claims has been limited. Pakistan has consistently maintained a policy of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, Pakistan has tread carefully, adopting a neutral stance. Pakistan remained under pressure from the West to take a clear position and condemn Russia but Islamabad resisted it and abstained from voting against Moscow at the United Nations on several occasions. However, amid all this there were reports that Pakistan might be supplying ammunition to Ukraine through a third country. Islamabad always denied those charges and insisted it had no direct role in the Russia-Ukraine war. The latest allegation by the Ukrainian president once again brought Pakistan's alleged role in the spotlight. It came at a time when President Donald Trump was putting immense pressure on India to stop buying oil and weapons from Russia. Trump has threatened to impose additional duties on Indian goods destined for the US market.


Express Tribune
40 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Rallies roar as Pakistan raises Kashmir cry
Citizens from all walks of life converge outside Parliament House in Islamabad to mark Youm-e-Istehsal, raising voices for the oppressed people of Indian-occupied Kashmir. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Pakistan marked Youm-e-Istehsal on Tuesday with nationwide rallies, seminars, and diplomatic events to condemn India's illegal revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019. The day served as a powerful reminder of India's continued oppression in the disputed region, with Pakistan's leadership, civil society, and international allies renewing calls for justice and self-determination for Kashmiris. The main rally in Islamabad, organised by the government, began at the Foreign Office and culminated at D-Chowk, with participants including federal ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, students, and civil society activists. At 10am, the entire nation observed a one minute of silence to honour the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs, who have fallen victim to India's brutal occupation. Also, the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) hosted a seminar titled "August 5 and Beyond: Violations of International Law in IIOJK." Speaking at the seminar, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed accused India of "Hindutva fascism" and compared its policies to "Israeli apartheid" in Palestine. "India's actions in Kashmir mirror the worst forms of colonial oppression. The world must act before it's too late," he warned. Former AJK President Sardar Masood Khan dismissed India's claims of development in Kashmir, stating: "If Kashmir is truly prospering under India, why are Kashmiris still barred from visiting martyrs' graves? The truth is, India fears the Kashmiri people's unbreakable spirit." Meanwhile, Hurriyat leader Altaf Hussain Wani, in an emotional interview with state broadcaster, described August 5 as a day of betrayal. "India thought it could erase Kashmir's identity, but the resistance grows stronger. Pakistan's support gives us hope that justice will prevail," he said. From the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan to the bustling streets of Karachi, Pakistanis from all walks of life participated in rallies, seminars, and marches to express solidarity with the Kashmiri brethren. In Gilgit, a major rally was held at Sir Syed Boys High School, where Governor Syed Mehdi Shah addressed a large crowd. He said that August 5 is a black day in history when India violated international law and UN resolutions. "The people of Gilgit-Baltistan stand firmly with our Kashmiri brethren, and we will continue our struggle until Kashmir is free," Shah stated. In Quetta, Mastung, and other districts, protests were led by government officials, including Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar. Speakers condemned India's "state terrorism" and called on the UN to intervene. In Peshawar, a massive rally was led by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who warned that Pakistan is prepared to take decisive action. "We have already shown India our strength in the May conflict. If the world continues to ignore Kashmir's suffering, Pakistan will not remain silent," he declared. In Karachi, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon highlighted the "historic role" of Pakistani leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto in advocating the Kashmir cause. "From Quaid-e-Azam to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan's leadership has always stood with Kashmir. Today, despite political differences, all parties are united on this issue," he said. Pakistani embassies worldwide organized events to highlight India's human rights abuses in Kashmir. in Tehran, Iranian scholars joined Pakistani diplomats in condemning India's actions, calling Kashmir a "test case for global justice." The Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) screened documentaries on Indian atrocities, urging the UAE to support Kashmir's cause. A photo exhibition in Tokyo showcased the suffering of Kashmiris under Indian occupation. In the rallies and seminars and other events, the speakers urged the international intervention community to help prevent India's reign of terror in IIOJK, where enforced disappearances, pellet gun injuries, and media blackouts persisted. "The time for silence is over. The world must act before another generation of Kashmiris is lost to oppression," urged Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while addressing the main Youm-e-Istehsal event in the federal capital. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)


Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, China to deepen EV cooperation
Listen to article Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has highlighted electric vehicles (EVs) as a key area of future cooperation between Pakistan and China. Answering a reporter's question at a press conference at the Pakistani embassy in Beijing on Monday, Iqbal noted the growing importance of EV technology and reaffirmed Pakistan's interest in partnering with Chinese firms to develop this sector. "EVs have become a very important segment," he said, emphasising Pakistan's desire to benefit from China's technological advancements, including the development of next-generation batteries such as sodium-ion batteries, which offer advantages over traditional lithium technology. The minister announced that the Pakistan-China Business Conference scheduled for September 4 in China will serve as a platform to foster such partnerships. "We are expecting over 250 companies from Pakistan and more than 200 from China," he said. "There will be industry matchmaking across sectors such as electric vehicles, solar energy, chemicals and agriculture." Iqbal stressed that establishing EV manufacturing in Pakistan offers cost advantages for Chinese companies and will help Pakistan reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He welcomed Chinese investment in localised EV production, calling it a strategic step towards energy efficiency, job creation and sustainable development. Notably, Pakistan's new National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-2030 mandates that 30% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2030 and aims for net-zero transport by 2060. It offers generous incentives — tax reductions, subsidies as well as support for charging infrastructure — and emphasises localisation. Chinese firms like BYD, Chery and others are involved in assembling EVs, expanding infrastructure and enabling Pakistan to serve as a regional EV production hub.