Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on the Occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal 5th August, 2026
Islamabad, August 5, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the country stands in complete solidarity with Kashmiris on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal.
In his message issued on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsal every year to highlight the significance of India’s actions on August 5, 2019, which Pakistan says altered the status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He stated that seven years later, those measures have neither changed the legal status of the territory nor weakened what he described as the Kashmiri people’s aspiration for self-determination. According to the Prime Minister, the developments since 2019 have resulted in increased restrictions on civil liberties, political activity and independent media while also raising concerns over demographic changes in the region.
The Prime Minister praised the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people, saying their peaceful struggle continues to inspire those who believe in justice, human dignity and international law.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains an unresolved issue affecting peace and stability in South Asia. He said lasting regional peace can only be achieved through a peaceful settlement that reflects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and is consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding position, the Prime Minister said the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy. He pledged that Pakistan would continue to raise the issue at regional and international forums while extending diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Kashmir.
He also urged the international community to encourage India to address human rights concerns, reverse measures introduced since August 2019, repeal laws affecting Jammu and Kashmir, and create an environment conducive to a peaceful resolution of the dispute through the exercise of the right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
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