Diplomatic Correspondent: The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, marking the anniversary of India`s constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, while reaffirming Pakistan`s longstanding position on the disputed territory.

The commemorative programme brought together members of the Pakistani community, media representatives and invited guests from different walks of life. Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider welcomed participants and underscored the significance of the occasion from Pakistan`s perspective.

During the event, official messages from Pakistan`s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar were read out.

According to the messages, Pakistan considers India`s decision to revoke Articles 370 and 35A of its Constitution in August 2019 to be illegal and maintains that the move cannot alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani leadership reiterated its political, diplomatic and moral support for what it described as the Kashmiri people`s right to self-determination, citing the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The statements also called on the international community to work towards the implementation of international law and the relevant UN resolutions concerning the Kashmir issue.

As part of the observance, the High Commission organized a photo exhibition portraying the humanitarian impact of the Kashmir conflict from Pakistan`s perspective. A documentary was also screened, focusing on allegations of human rights violations and the challenges faced by residents of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

The programme concluded with special prayers for those who have lost their lives in the conflict and for peace, justice and the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Kashmir issue has remained one of the most contentious disputes between India and Pakistan since 1947. Tensions intensified after India revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, integrating the former state into two federally administered union territories. India has maintained that the decision was an internal constitutional matter aimed at improving governance and development in the region, while Pakistan has strongly opposed the move and continues to raise the issue at regional and international forums.

The observance in Dhaka reflected Pakistan`s continued diplomatic efforts to keep the Kashmir issue on the international agenda, even as New Delhi maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and rejects third-party involvement in the matter.