OTTAWA – The High Commission for Pakistan in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, solemnly observed Youm-e-Istehsaal (Day of Exploitation) to mark six years since India’s illegal and unilateral actions on August 5, 2019, when Articles 370 and 35-A of its Constitution were revoked, stripping the disputed region of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) of its special status.
In a dignified ceremony held at the High Commission in Ottawa, the Pakistani diplomatic missions reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJK and condemned India’s continued illegal occupation and gross human rights violations in the region.
Special messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out to the audience, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to standing with the Kashmiri people until the realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
A powerful documentary was screened, highlighting the continuing human rights abuses and the humanitarian crisis in IIOJK. A photographic exhibition was also displayed, documenting the pain, resilience, and resistance of the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation. The event concluded with a one-minute silence, observed in solidarity with the Kashmiri victims of oppression and in support of their just struggle for freedom.
Addressing the audience, High Commissioner Muhammad Saleem described India’s August 5, 2019 actions as a brazen attempt at forced annexation under the false narrative of “integration.
“India violated not only its own constitution but also international law by unilaterally revoking Article 370—Kashmir’s fragile legal shield,” he stated. “Six years later, the so-called narrative of normalcy has collapsed under the weight of truth and resistance.”
He called on the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and the global media to take immediate notice of the grave violations in IIOJK, hold India accountable for its crimes, and lend support to the Kashmiri people’s peaceful and legitimate demand for self-determination.
The events across Canada witnessed strong participation from the Pakistani diaspora and supporters of the Kashmir cause, who pledged continued advocacy until justice is achieved for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
BY: The Times Union
