Online Desk: Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed annually on February 5th, highlights Pakistan’s firm solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This day is dedicated to honoring the struggles and sacrifices of Kashmiris in their quest for freedom from Indian colonial rule. It serves as a platform for Pakistan to reaffirm its political, moral and diplomatic support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and various UN resolutions.
Often referred to as “paradise on earth,” Kashmir has endured over seven decades of conflict and oppression under Indian rule. Despite numerous UN resolutions advocating for the Kashmiri people’s right to determine their future through a plebiscite, these resolutions remain unimplemented. The region has been the epicenter of multiple military conflicts between India and Pakistan and the global community’s lack of decisive action has prolonged the suffering of its people.
Kashmir Solidarity Day was first observed in 1990 when the Pakistani government called on its citizens to show support for Kashmiris. It was later declared a public holiday to emphasize the importance of the Kashmir cause. Every year, Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir hold nationwide events, including rallies, seminars and cultural programs, to highlight the plight of Kashmiris and demonstrate unwavering unity with their struggle for independence.
India’s actions in Kashmir have drawn widespread condemnation for their oppressive and colonial nature. The revocation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status, placing the region under direct Indian control. This move, driven by Hindutva ideology advocating Hindu supremacy, aims to marginalize Kashmir’s Muslim majority. India’s settler colonialism project seeks to alter the region’s demographic composition while suppressing the Kashmiri people’s legitimate demand for self-determination.
Contrary to India’s claims of normalcy, Kashmir remains one of the most militarized zones in the world. Independent human rights advocates report grave violations, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and cases of rape and torture. Since 1989, more than 100,000 Kashmiris have reportedly lost their lives. Despite these atrocities, Kashmiris continue to resist with resilience, underscoring the urgency for global intervention.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is not just a commemoration but a call to action. It reminds the world of the moral imperative to support the Kashmiri people in their quest for freedom and justice. By adopting innovative strategies and maintaining unwavering commitment, Pakistan can ensure that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people are not in vain and that their struggle for self-determination is recognized and supported globally. Through persistence, diplomacy and solidarity, the dream of a free and peaceful Kashmir can become a reality.
