Pakistani Embassy in Türkiye marks 3rd annual 'Day of Exploitation' of Jammu and Kashmir

By Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) - Pakistan's ambassador to Ankara said on Friday that Kashmir was a political and humanitarian issue, as well as one of peace, and security, as it pits two nuclear-armed nations against each other.

Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi made his remarks at an event held at the Pakistani Embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara to mark the third anniversary of Youm-e-Istehsal, or Day of Exploitation, which was attended by officials, journalists, and diplomatic representatives.

Qazi acknowledged Türkiye's position on the dispute, saying the rest of the world should take its stance as a model.

The Pakistani administration declared Aug. 5 as Youm-e-Istehsal to protest New Delhi's actions in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which Islamabad claims are aimed at changing the demography of the Muslim-majority state.

On Aug. 5, 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370 and other related provisions from its constitution, stripping the state of its autonomy. The valley was also split into two federally administered territories.

Simultaneously, it locked the region down, detained thousands of people, imposed movement restrictions, and enforced a communications blackout.

Messages were also read from Pakistan's president, prime minister, and foreign minister, who expressed their solidarity with the people of Kashmir and urged the international community to take the necessary steps to ease their suffering.

- Disputed region

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts but claimed by both in full. A small sliver of the region is also controlled by China.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, the New Delhi and Islamabad have fought three wars -- in 1948, 1965, and 1971 -- two of them over Kashmir.

Some Kashmiri groups have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.

Already strained relations between the two nuclear neighbors further plummeted after India's controversial move in August 2019.