Exclusive: Pakistan will commemorate Youm-i-Istehsal on monday in show of support to Kashmir.

Pakistan stands in solidarity with Kashmir by observing Youm-i-Istehsal. Learn about the significance of this day and how Pakistan supports the people of Kashmir.

In an effort to demonstrate support for Kashmiris and commemorate the fifth anniversary of India removing Kashmir’s special autonomy, the federal government of Pakistan has declared that Monday would be Youm-i-Istehsal, or Exploitation Day. This announcement was made on Sunday, according to state-run PTV News.

The Muslim-majority territory lost its unique status on August 5, 2019, when the Indian government led by Narendra Modi repealed Article 370 of the constitution, dividing the former state into two regions that are under the direct authority of New Delhi.

People from the rest of India now have the ability to purchase property in Indian-held Kashmir and make their permanent home thanks to the revocation of the aforementioned article. The proposal was perceived by Kashmiris and critics of India’s Hindu nationalist-led government as an attempt to introduce Hindu settlers into the predominantly Muslim region of Kashmir, so diluting its population.

The Pakistani government reacted to the controversial decision by declaring August 5, 2020, as Youm-e-Istehsal. In response to the status change, Pakistan now observes this day annually.

This year, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chaired a meeting on Saturday when topics pertaining to the day’s celebration were discussed. Senior government officials and federal ministries updated the PM on preparations during the meeting, according to Radio Pakistan.

A PTV News post on the X platform stated, “A joint main event of Pakistani and Kashmiri leadership has been approved for the day, with PM Shehbaz expected to visit Muzaffarabad on August 5 to show solidarity with Kashmiris.”