By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: –The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to observe Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day), strongly condemning India’s unilateral move on August 5, 2019, which revoked the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
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The resolution, presented by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people and called for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions to ensure their right to self-determination.
The text of the resolution highlighted that: India’s illegal actions have led to the imprisonment of over 28,000 Kashmiris, the region has suffered economic losses amounting to four to five billion dollars, the Kashmiri freedom movement continues to face brutal repression and millions of Kashmiris have laid down their lives for the cause of freedom.
The resolution also criticized the Modi government’s repressive policies and emphasized the need for introspection, stating that while India must be held accountable, Pakistan must also evaluate and strengthen its efforts in support of Kashmir.
Meanwhile, in a dramatic turn of events, Speaker Punjab Assembly ordered the release of nine opposition members who were detained earlier in the day. The decision followed the intervention of Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, helping to ease tensions and restore order in the House.
The session marked a unified stance from all sides of the political aisle, underscoring solidarity with the Kashmiri people and condemning the ongoing human rights violations in the occupied territory.
