LAHORE: The Pakistani nation is observing "Youm-e-Istehsal" on Wednesday (today) to mark the first anniversary of India's illegal action of scrapping the special constitutional status of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. One-minute silence will be observed across the country in the morning to express solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people.

Since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in August 2019, the Indian government continues to adhere to the policy of coercion, torture and deception to undermine the Muslim majority character of Jammu and Kashmir by changing its demography.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday to highlight the Kashmiri people's struggle for freedom and their sufferings at the hands of Indian occupation forces.

President Dr Arif Alvi will also lead a rally on the day while all the provincial chief ministers will speak at their respective provincial headquarters to condemn Indian brutalities on the people of held valley.

Former AJK PM Sardar Attique Ahmed said in his message: "Since 5th of August 2019, the situation in Kashmir is further deteriorating, which is condemnable."

He said the UN has explicitly said that India cannot bring demographic changes in Kashmir. China has categorically told India to restore Articles 370 and 35A. Prime Minister Imran Khan has exposed the RSS and Modi administration in front of the global community, he said, adding, "The illegal actions of India in Kashmir have put the regional peace in jeopardy."

Moreover, the government has also unveiled a special postage stamp in connection with Youm-e-Istehsal to highlight the wave of terror unleashed by Modi government in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Punjab government has issued directions to district administration to mark the day in a befitting manner to highlight Indian authorities on innocent Kashmiris.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020