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LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced that a one-minute silence will be observed across the province at 10:00 AM on August 5 to mark Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation) and express solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, all relevant departments and institutions have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive. The statement affirms that the Pakistani nation remains united in its stance against India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON has directed all provincial governments to organize meaningful events and public gatherings to show moral and political support for the Kashmiri people.
Additionally, specific instructions have been issued to the Inspector General of Punjab Police, the Inspector General of Prisons, and the Director General of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau to ensure proper observance of the scheduled silence and related activities.
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam, during a press conference in Islamabad, reaffirmed that the one-minute silence would be observed nationwide at 10:00 AM on August 5. He noted that events at national and international levels would be held to highlight the Kashmiri struggle and the ongoing human rights violations in the region.
He further stated that under the Prime Minister’s direction, Pakistani embassies and missions worldwide have been instructed to launch awareness campaigns and organize solidarity events to draw global attention to the plight of Kashmiris.
The minister confirmed that chief ministers of all four provinces have been directed to oversee the arrangements for the day and emphasized that the observance should transcend political affiliations, reflecting a united national front.
Amir Muqam urged the public to replace despair with determination on *Youm-e-Istehsal*, stressing that a strong, unified message of support must be sent to the people of Kashmir—that the entire Pakistani nation stands firmly by their side.
