On Wednesday, February 5, Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed with great enthusiasm, reaffirming unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Political leaders, armed forces, and civil society paid tribute to the Kashmiri people’s long-standing struggle while strongly condemning human rights violations in the region.
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National Leadership Reaffirms Support
President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the Kashmir cause, emphasizing the nation’s continuous moral, diplomatic, and political backing for Kashmiris.
“We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the just struggle of the Kashmiri people,” Zardari stated, denouncing India’s continued oppression in Kashmir and asserting that it could not weaken the Kashmiris’ spirit of self-determination. He urged the United Nations to fulfill its 77-year-old commitments regarding Kashmir and assured that Pakistan would always stand by its Kashmiri brethren.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law.
“Every year, the government and people of Pakistan commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day,” he said, describing Indian-occupied Kashmir as one of the most militarized regions globally.
Shehbaz Sharif condemned the prolonged detention of Kashmiri political activists and human rights defenders, denouncing India’s attempts to alter the region’s demographic structure. He urged the international community to pressure India into granting Kashmiris their right to determine their future, reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Pakistan’s Armed Forces Stand with Kashmir
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reiterated the armed forces’ unwavering commitment to Kashmiris’ just cause.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, service chiefs, and the armed forces paid tribute to Kashmiris’ resilience in the face of oppression.
“Kashmiris’ steadfast determination in the face of brutality is a source of inspiration,” the ISPR said, condemning the severe human rights violations in occupied Kashmir as a blatant disregard for international laws.
“The global community, human rights organizations, and the United Nations must take decisive action,” the statement urged, reaffirming the military’s support for Kashmiris and calling for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions in line with their aspirations.
Global and National Events Mark Kashmir Solidarity Day
In Belgium, the Pakistani embassy organized a seminar to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day, featuring speeches and a documentary on the Kashmir conflict. Messages from Pakistan’s president, prime minister, and foreign minister were read aloud, highlighting the Kashmir cause.
Speakers condemned India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, calling for their reversal. Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Belgium, Faraz Zaidi, reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people and acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora in Belgium.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari emphasized the global significance of February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. Speaking at Liberty Chowk in Lahore, she stated, “Punjab’s government is commemorating this day with great enthusiasm.”
In Muzaffarabad, a torch-bearing rally took place from Old Secretariat to Azadi Chowk, with participants carrying torches, flags, and banners while chanting slogans in support of Kashmir’s independence.
In Mirpur, candles were lit at Shaheed Chowk to honor the martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir, with prayers offered for their souls. A similar ceremony was held in Bhimber, where a signature campaign was launched in support of the Kashmiri cause.
Nationwide Rallies and Resolutions
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman declared that Pakistan’s 250 million citizens stood firmly with Kashmiris until their liberation.
“Today, the entire country is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day,” Rehman stated, announcing that he would address a rally on Mall Road in Lahore. He also linked the ongoing protest movement against high electricity prices to national concerns.
“Kashmir is Pakistan’s ideological, geographical, and economic lifeline,” he stressed, affirming that Kashmir’s freedom is crucial to completing Pakistan’s national mission.
The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning Indian atrocities and expressing solidarity with Kashmiris. The resolution paid homage to the martyrs of the Kashmiri freedom struggle and honored the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces. “The implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir must be ensured,” the assembly members demanded.
A solidarity rally was also held in Hala, where participants carried banners and chanted slogans supporting the right to self-determination.
Security Measures and Educational Initiatives
Security arrangements in Lahore were significantly tightened, with over 11,000 police personnel deployed to protect 448 rallies, gatherings, and processions.
“A comprehensive security plan has been implemented,” police officials confirmed, ensuring thorough monitoring of all events. Across Punjab, 346 rallies, 84 seminars, and 23 additional events were held under strict security surveillance. Punjab’s Inspector General of Police instructed senior officials to personally oversee the processions.
“All gatherings will be monitored through Safe City cameras,” police stated, with walkthrough gates and other security measures in place to ensure safety.
In Peshawar and Mardan, the Education Department directed private schools to organize special events on Kashmir Solidarity Day. The Private Schools Regulatory Authority instructed institutions to arrange speeches and debates highlighting Kashmir’s struggle for self-determination.
