Moon Desk: Pakistan observes 5th February as Kashmir Solidarity Day every year, a tradition that began in 1991. Initially known as Kashmir Day, it was renamed Kashmir Solidarity Day in 2004.
Pakistan and the people of Kashmir collectively commemorate this day worldwide, viewing it as a significant act of resistance against Indian occupation and suppression in Jammu and Kashmir. On 5th February, Pakistanis and Kashmiris, wherever they reside, stage protests in front of Indian embassies across the globe, particularly in the United Kingdom, to express their support for the Kashmiri cause. Similarly, conferences, seminars, rallies, and debate competitions are organized to raise awareness about the Kashmir conflict. Moreover, Pakistani media, research institutions, and newspapers play a crucial role in expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people. They highlight the issue through daily headlines, talk shows, advertisements, editorials, and articles published across various platforms and websites.
One such research institute, the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, actively exposes Indian atrocities and human rights violations in Kashmir through its events, articles, blogs, and other initiatives.
The Kashmir conflict has persisted for 77 years, escalating significantly since 1989. Jammu and Kashmir has suffered under Indian colonial rule for decades. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019 marked a critical moment in this ongoing struggle. These articles had granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, preserving its autonomy. By revoking them, India sought to erase Kashmir’s unique identity and further integrate the region into the Indian Union. This move intensified the repression of the Kashmiri people. It was part of a larger effort to create an illusion of normalcy in a region rife with unrest. The Indian government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has often claimed that peace and development are taking place in Kashmir. However, the reality is quite different. During this period, approximately 96,000 Kashmiris have been killed, 23,000 women widowed, nearly 11,000 girls and women subjected to sexual violence, and around 100,000 homes and schools demolished.
In 2019, the BJP-led government took drastic steps to revoke Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, a move that violated fundamental rights and effectively stripped Kashmiris of their autonomy. Furthermore, the Indian governemnt granted 4.3 million domiciles to Indian citizens, enabling them to control businesses and acquire property in the region. Before the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, there were 350,000 Indian troops stationed in Kashmir; this number has since increased to over 900,000. As a result, Indian forces have detained many indigenous Kashmiris under false charges, including terrorism and state disobedience. India imposed an internet blockade for nearly 18 months. Even in the modern era, according to a 2018 report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), only 30% of the population in Jammu and Kashmir had internet access, with 2G being the primary mode of connectivity for most people.
Overall Pakistan remark 5 February as a strong supports to the people of Kashmir. Beside all these efforts of Pakistan the Kashmir issue has not been acquired any specific results. Similarly the UN resolutions on Kashmir should be implemented completely and the International actors should play their effective role to end the perpetual crisis. Moreover the regional states or great powers like China, US or EU can play their role to hold negotiations and peace deals with the India and Pakistan, beside this the diplomatic engagement is very necessary between the India and Pakistan to settle the confront peacefully. The diplomatic negotiation will not only settle the Kashmir disputes but also will give a way to boost the economic, Political, Social Cooperation between the two rivals. Moreover Pakistan needs to continue support for Kashmir through different media platforms, like Facebook, YouTube, twitter, etc, as well as emphasize different activities on 5 February such as, seminars, conferences, and express in international media like, CNN, Aljazeera, and BBC.
