ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day today (Wednesday) to express firm support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as recognized by the United Nations. This day is a public holiday, with solidarity walks and special events held across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The nation stands united with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), renewing its pledge to support their struggle for freedom. In the capital, Islamabad, a rally is scheduled at Constitution Avenue. At 10 a.m., sirens will sound, followed by a minute of silence to honor Kashmiri martyrs.
Posters and billboards highlighting Kashmiris’ suffering have been placed at key locations, including airports and railway stations. In Muzaffarabad, the AJK Legislative Assembly will hold a special session to express solidarity with Kashmiris in IIOJK. Human chains will be formed at Mangla, Kohala, Bararkot, Azad Pattan, and Holar, symbolizing Pakistan’s unbreakable bond with AJK. A special event will take place at Mangla Bridge in Mirpur, with similar programs planned in Kotli and Bhimber districts.
Pakistan’s Leadership Calls for Global Action
On Kashmir Solidarity Day, President Asif Ali Zardari reminded the world of its moral responsibility towards the oppressed people of Kashmir. He urged the United Nations to fulfill its commitment, made 78 years ago, and support Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri cause. He emphasized that peace in South Asia depends on resolving the Kashmir dispute. He called on the global community to press India to let Kashmiris decide their future.
“The recent developments in the Middle East highlight the dangers of ignoring long-standing conflicts,” the prime minister stated. He stressed that the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law.
“The UN General Assembly adopts a resolution every year affirming this right,” he added. However, he noted that Kashmiris have been denied this basic right for 78 years.
The prime minister described IIOJK as one of the most heavily militarized regions in the world. He said that Kashmiris live under constant fear, while political activists and human rights defenders face arrests and confiscation of property.
He condemned India’s actions aimed at silencing Kashmiri voices, including banning political parties that represent the true aspirations of the people. He also criticized India’s efforts to alter the region’s demographic and political landscape following the illegal steps taken on August 5, 2019.
The prime minister reaffirmed that Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy. He pledged that Pakistan would continue providing diplomatic, moral, and political support to Kashmiris until they achieve their right to self-determination, as per UN resolutions.
Armed Forces Reaffirm Support for Kashmiris
The Pakistan armed forces also reiterated their unwavering support for the Kashmiri struggle. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad, along with the chiefs of the armed forces, expressed solidarity with the resilient people of Kashmir.
In a statement, the military’s media wing, ISPR, paid tribute to the Kashmiri people for their endurance against decades of oppression and human rights violations.
Their statement strongly condemned India’s ongoing human rights abuses in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions. The military leaders urged the global community, human rights organizations, and the UN to take immediate steps to end the suffering of Kashmiris.
The statement reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces stand firm in their commitment to the Kashmir cause. They vowed to continue supporting the Kashmiri people in their rightful struggle for freedom and dignity.
“Long live Pakistan! Long live Kashmir!” the statement concluded.
