On Youm-e-Istehsal, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calls for justice, UN action on Kashmir

New York: As Pakistan marked Youm-e-Istehsal—the Day of Exploitation—Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, issued a strong statement reaffirming the country’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and called on the international community to play its role in ending the ongoing injustice.

“The resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is essential for reducing tensions between Pakistan and India,” said Ambassador Ahmad, emphasizing the centrality of the issue to peace and stability in South Asia.

He underscored that Pakistan has consistently urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to fulfill its legal and moral responsibility by implementing its own resolutions on Kashmir.

“We continue to remind the United Nations of its commitment to the Kashmiri people. The right to self-determination is not just a principle—it is an obligation under international law,” he said.

Referring to India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, which revoked Article 370 and stripped the region of its autonomy, Ambassador Ahmad stated:

“These actions have no legal standing in the eyes of the international community and the United Nations. They were categorically rejected by the UN Secretary-General in his statement of August 8, 2019.”

He noted that all legislative, administrative, and demographic measures taken by India after August 5, 2019, are in direct contravention of international law and Security Council resolutions.

“Every step taken by India following the abrogation of Article 370 is unlawful. These are desperate attempts to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Ambassador stressed.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s position remains unchanged—that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be the core issue in any meaningful dialogue with India.