Ambassador Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri leads Youm-e-Istehsal observance in Jakarta to highlight plight of Kashmiris

Jakarta: In solemn remembrance of the ongoing suffering and oppression of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the Embassy of Pakistan in Jakarta observed Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation) on August 5, 2025. The occasion marked six years since India’s unilateral and illegal revocation of the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August 2019.

A seminar titled “Ongoing Human Rights Abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)” was the central feature of the observance, bringing together Indonesian academics, researchers, policy experts, human rights activists, and members of the diplomatic and media communities.

Ambassador Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, in his keynote address, underscored the gravity of India’s actions in IIOJK and the importance of continuing global advocacy for the rights of the Kashmiri people. “August 5 is a dark day not only in the history of Kashmir but in the annals of international law and human rights,” said the Ambassador. “The unilateral and unlawful steps taken by India in 2019 violate UN Security Council resolutions and have intensified the suffering of the Kashmiri people.”

Ambassador Chaudhri reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the cause of Kashmir, noting that despite decades of brutal repression, the spirit of resistance among the people of IIOJK remains unbroken. “India has failed to crush the Kashmiri people’s resolve. The occupation forces continue to operate with impunity, committing egregious human rights violations—ranging from extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances to sexual violence and suppression of free speech,” he added.

The Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan would continue to raise the Kashmir issue at every international forum and urged the global community to fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities toward the people of Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

To further sensitize the audience, a documentary highlighting the human rights abuses in IIOJK was screened during the event. A photo exhibition depicted harrowing visuals from the conflict-ridden region, leaving a strong impact on attendees.

Ambassador Chaudhri also engaged with local media, urging Indonesian journalists and civil society to raise their voice in support of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Outreach efforts also extended to local think tanks, academicians, and policy influencers, with the Embassy providing historical context and updates on the current situation in the occupied territory.