Engineer Amir Muqam Addresses Kashmir Solidarity Rally – “August 5 is the Darkest Day in Kashmir’s History”

Islamabad, August 5:
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, has declared August 5 as the darkest day in Kashmir’s history. He emphasized that the government and people of Pakistan stand firmly with the Kashmiri people until the very end. He condemned India’s unilateral decision to strip Kashmir of its constitutional status, stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Kashmir issue has been highlighted vigorously. He also noted that the foreign policy led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has played an effective role and even the U.S. President has recognized Kashmir as a disputed territory.

Amir Muqam strongly criticized the political protest call by PTI on August 5, the “Kashmir Exploitation Day,” stating it is an injustice to the Kashmiri cause and a conspiracy against national unity. He made these remarks while addressing a rally held to mark Kashmir Exploitation Day.

A solidarity rally for the Kashmiri people was taken out from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to D-Chowk. Federal Minister Amir Muqam, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, and Advisor to the PM on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah led the rally. Other prominent attendees included Parliamentary Kashmir Committee Chairman Muhammad Qasim Noon, Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar, PM’s Coordinator Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, former AJK Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Parliamentary Secretary for Kashmir Affairs Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, Zamurd Khan, APHC leader Altaf Hussain Wani, Hurriyat leaders, school students, politicians, and citizens from various walks of life.

Amir Muqam stated that the rally aimed to send a message to Kashmiris and those living along the Line of Control that the entire Pakistani nation stands with them. The event’s purpose was to make it clear globally that Kashmir is not alone — Pakistan is with them. He emphasized that people gathered above political affiliations to show solidarity with Kashmiris, including students and people from all segments of society.

He asserted, “As long as the last Kashmiri and Pakistani are alive, Kashmiris will be given their rightful due.” He noted that events are being held worldwide to observe Kashmir Exploitation Day, and he appreciated the participation of students. He thanked the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information, and all participants for organizing the rally attended by thousands.

Amir Muqam reiterated that August 5 marks a black day in both Kashmir’s and India’s history. For 78 years, atrocities have been committed against Kashmiris. On August 5, India ended Kashmir’s special status and unilaterally removed it from its constitution — an act aimed at demographic change.

He declared, “We rejected this step back then, and we reject it today.” The Minister highlighted that the people have come together beyond politics to show unity, and reiterated the demand for Kashmiris’ rights as long as one Pakistani or Kashmiri remains alive.

He paid tribute to the brave Kashmiri men, women, and children who have endured oppression. From 1989 to July 31, 2025, over 94,000 Kashmiris have been arrested, thousands of children orphaned, women widowed, and homes destroyed. Yet, Kashmiris continue to hold firm to their ideology and bond with Pakistan. He saluted those who are still imprisoned and suffering.

Referring to Indian ministers’ claims that the Kashmir issue is “buried,” Amir Muqam said this is pure delusion — the issue is alive and will always remain so. He asserted that Kashmir is the core conflict between India and Pakistan and praised the armed forces for delivering a clear message to India.

He stated that those calling for protests today were in power when the August 5 move happened, and this protest call will prove to be a “missed call.” The public will reject any anti-Pakistan initiative.

Amir Muqam declared that Pakistan will always stand with the Kashmiri people. August 5 is a day of solidarity with Kashmir and condemnation of Indian atrocities. He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership for effectively raising the Kashmir issue globally and praised the foreign policy direction under Ishaq Dar.

He mentioned that even the U.S. President has labeled Kashmir as a disputed issue and stressed that Pakistan will continue to support the Kashmiris in their rightful struggle. Under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s armed forces have played a proud role, and the current government has presented the Kashmir case with strength on the international stage.

He concluded by stating that the protest call on August 5 is unjust to Kashmiris, a conspiracy against national unity, and a disservice to both Pakistan and the Kashmiri people. Such protest politics insults the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, and he expressed confidence that the public will reject this narrative. He termed the protest call as ineffective and bound to fail.