KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution condemning India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, which revoked the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The resolution demanded that India immediately reverse its illegal measures in the occupied valley, improve the human rights situation, release Kashmiri political prisoners, repeal draconian laws and grant unrestricted access to independent human rights observers, journalists and defenders.

It reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination, as enshrined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The house condemned India’s laws and policies altering the demographic and political landscape of IIOJK and described these as flagrant violations of UNSC resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Lawmakers paid rich tribute to the valour, courage and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people resisting Indian occupation with dignity and steadfastness.

House unanimously demands restoration of India-held Kashmir’s special status

They strongly condemned the widespread human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces in IIOJK and expressed grave concern over India’s aggressive posture, which destabilises South Asia’s security environment.

The resolution also unequivocally rejected India’s provocative statements and unfounded claims regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

It stressed that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Youm-i-Istehsal-i-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day) was observed across the country, marking six years since India revoked Article 370 of its Constitution, stripping the region of its special status.

CM denounces Modi govt’s actions

Speaking on the resolution, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared India’s move on Aug 5, 2019, as illegal, inhumane and oppressive.

“It was the first time in history that a government betrayed its own people by withdrawing their fundamental rights,” he said, referring to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional autonomy through a presidential order.

CM Murad strongly denounced the Modi government’s actions and expressed full support for the resolution presented in the assembly.

The chief minister reaffirmed Sindh’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Kashmir, stating: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with them in their just struggle for freedom and the right to self-determination.”

Referring to the recent armed confrontation with India in May 2025, CM Shah said Pakistan gave a befitting response to India’s aggression in Azad Kashmir. “From May 6 to May 10, in what can be termed as the ‘Battle of Truth,’ Indian airbases and aircraft were destroyed and they had to seek American mediation for a ceasefire,” he said.

The chief minister also drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and strongly condemning Israeli atrocities.

“Today, as we remember Kashmir, it is also our moral duty to speak out against the brutality being inflicted in Gaza. This is not just a religious issue; it is a humanitarian one,” he said and urged the international community, especially the Islamic world, to take decisive action.

The chief minister concluded by reaffirming Sindh’s full moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of Kashmir and reiterated the demand for justice, peace and human rights in both Kashmir and Palestine.

Opposition leader urges exposing India’s real face

Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi emphasised the importance of commemorating the day to “expose India’s true face to the world.”

Mr Khurshidi condemned India for perpetrating atrocities and brutality in Kashmir and said that Pakistan’s stance on the issue remains crystal clear.

He said that Pakistan has been and will continue to fight the Kashmir cause on international forums. “We will persist in our political and moral support for Kashmir,” he declared and vowed to uphold the struggle for the region’s freedom.

He also paid rich tribute to the Kashmiri martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the freedom movement.

PPP’s Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Jameel Soomro and Sikandar Shoro, along with Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan’s Fauzia Hameed, also spoke on the resolution.

Later, Speaker Syed Awais Shah adjourned the house until Friday.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2025