From Black Day to Binding Cause: Why August 5 Still Matters
Today marks six years since August 5, 2019—a date remembered across Pakistan and Kashmir as “Youm-e-Istehsal” (Day of Exploitation). On this day, the Indian government unilaterally revoked Article 370, stripping Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) of its special constitutional status. This move, carried out without the consent of the Kashmiri people, violated international law and India’s own promises.
Despite India’s attempts to normalize the situation through propaganda and cosmetic “development” projects, the ground reality in Kashmir remains grim. Arbitrary arrests, restrictions on movement, internet blackouts, and demographic changes have all been widely reported by human rights organizations. The region remains under a heavy military presence and constant surveillance.
In the face of global inaction, Pakistan has never wavered. Through platforms like the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan has consistently raised its voice for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The moral, diplomatic, and political support continues—and so does our resolve.
It is important, now more than ever, to protect the sanctity of this day. August 5 is not a tool for political blame games or point-scoring. It is a day of unity—when all Pakistanis must set aside their differences and stand with their Kashmiri brethren. Attempts to politicize this solemn occasion for partisan agendas only weaken our national position and distract from the real injustice being faced by the people of Kashmir.
This day is not about the past alone—it is about an ongoing struggle. The Kashmiri people have not given up, and neither will Pakistan. Their courage and determination remain a source of strength for all who believe in freedom, justice, and human dignity.
As we mark this sixth anniversary, we reaffirm a simple truth: Kashmir is not forgotten. The dream of freedom still lives in every Kashmiri heart, and Pakistan will continue to be their voice on the world stage until the promises of the UN resolutions are fulfilled.
August 5 is not just a Black Day—it is a call to remain united, principled, and committed to the just cause of Kashmir.
In Pakistan’s national memory, August 5 and December 16 are days of solemn reflection—not political opportunism.
- August 5, 2019, marks India’s illegal revocation of Article 370 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)—a betrayal of constitutional and human rights.
- December 16, 1971, marks the Fall of Dhaka, a painful chapter that reminds us of the cost of division and leadership failure.
These days are meant to bring the nation together in remembrance and resolve. But in recent years, PTI-aligned voices—especially on social media—have begun to use these national tragedies for political gain.
Instead of standing with Kashmiris on August 5, some PTI narratives have turned the day into a platform to blame political opponents. Rather than focusing on India’s illegal occupation, the discussion is often reduced to domestic point-scoring—accusing others of “failing” to stop the abrogation, as if the struggle of Kashmiris was a campaign issue. This not only disrespects the pain of the oppressed but also weakens Pakistan’s united front on Kashmir.
A similar trend has emerged around December 16. Instead of using the day to reflect on the importance of national unity, some political actors now draw unfounded comparisons between the 1971 tragedy and current political events. These forced parallels distort history and divide the public. The sacrifices of the past are not tools for political sympathy—they are lessons for nation-building, not a means to play blame games. read more…
The year 2024 marked a major turning point in relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as both countries made a conscious decision to move beyond decades of mistrust and pursue a future based on dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation.
Following the political transition in Dhaka, the new leadership in Bangladesh adopted a more pragmatic and reconciliatory approach. In response, Pakistan extended a hand of friendship, leading to the beginning of a long-overdue diplomatic thaw. Both countries chose to reject the politics of blame and focus instead on shared goals and regional stability.
In late 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met on the sidelines of major forums, including the UN General Assembly and the D-8 Summit in Cairo. These were the first high-level talks in years and helped restore mutual confidence. A historic milestone followed in early 2025, when foreign secretaries of both countries met in Dhaka for the first time in 15 years—an important sign of political will on both sides. read more…
The years 2022 and 2023 brought significant political changes to South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and Bangladesh, reshaping the region’s political landscape. While the circumstances in each country differed, both transitions reflected a growing public demand for change, accountability, and democratic renewal.
In Pakistan, a major shift occurred in April 2022, when the government was changed through a vote of no-confidence in Parliament. It was a historic moment—the first time a prime minister in Pakistan was removed through this constitutional process. The vote followed weeks of political tensions and legal battles. A coalition government took charge, bringing new leadership and signaling a shift in national priorities, including renewed focus on economic recovery and political stability.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, public unrest led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid in early 2023. While her government had overseen strong economic growth, it faced rising criticism over political restrictions, lack of press freedom, and concerns about governance. What began as protests over public sector job quotas evolved into a broader movement calling for change. Eventually, facing mounting pressure, Sheikh Hasina stepped down, and an interim government was formed to oversee the political transition and reform. read more…
In the aftermath of India’s unilateral revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Pakistan emerged as the strongest voice advocating for the rights of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). While much of the international community responded with caution or silence, Pakistan stood firm in its diplomatic, political, and moral commitment to the Kashmiri cause.
Pakistan launched a robust diplomatic campaign at key international platforms, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). At the UN, Pakistan consistently raised the Kashmir issue, highlighting human rights violations, the communications blackout, and the denial of basic freedoms to the Kashmiri population. These efforts ensured that the dispute remained on the global agenda. read more…
On August 5, 2019, India made a shocking and controversial move by revoking Article 370 of its constitution, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This unilateral step, taken by the Modi-led BJP government, was seen as a direct attack on the identity, rights, and autonomy of the Kashmiri people.
For decades, Article 370 had been part of India’s constitutional promise, giving Jammu and Kashmir a unique position. It allowed the region to make its own laws in most areas, except defense, foreign affairs, and communication. But in 2019, through a rushed and controversial parliamentary move, India ended this arrangement—without the consent of Kashmir’s elected representatives, many of whom were already under arrest.