As the country observed Youm-e-Istehsal on August 5, 2025, to mark the anniversary of India’s illegal actions in Jammu and Kashmir, it is with deep concern that we witnessed a stark reality: the Kashmir cause is being overshadowed by our own political turmoil. Instead of presenting a unified front, our nation is entangled in domestic disputes, turning a day of solidarity into a reflection of our internal divisions.
Recent news coverage has highlighted how our political issues have overshadowed the primary purpose of this day. The very essence of Youm-e-Istehsal — to protest the denial of justice and rights to Kashmiris — is lost amidst the ongoing political rivalries, accusations of injustice and calls for rights within our own borders.
The irony is not lost on the international community. We stand on the world stage, demanding that Kashmiris receive justice and their rights, while our own political factions are embroiled in a bitter struggle, each claiming that their fundamental rights are being violated. This lack of a unified national narrative allows the world to dismiss our calls for justice in Kashmir as hypocritical, or worse, as a mere political tool. How can we effectively rally international support and bring the world’s focus back to Kashmir when the global community’s attention is fixated on the political instability and power struggles within Pakistan?
For Pakistan to be an effective voice for Kashmir, it must first put its own house in order. Our political leaders must set aside their differences and forge a national consensus on the Kashmir issue. Only when we speak with one strong, unwavering voice can we hope to draw the world’s attention back to Jammu and Kashmir.
Mahdia Tur Rehman
Nankana, Punjab
