Kashmir Day: A Symbol of Solidarity and Struggle

Kasmir Day:

Kashmir Day, observed annually on February 5th in Pakistan, is a significant occasion that expresses solidarity with the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. This day serves as a reminder of their right to self-determination, a right enshrined in international resolutions but yet to be realized. The observance of Kashmir Day is marked with demonstrations, rallies, human chains, and public speeches emphasizing the importance of the Kashmir issue in Pakistan’s national discourse.

Historical Background:

The origins of Kashmir Day date back to 1990 when Qazi Hussain Ahmad, a leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, proposed the idea of a day dedicated to supporting the Kashmiri people. The then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, endorsed the idea, and since then, February 5th has been observed as a national day. The day was officially declared a public holiday, and since 2004, Pakistan has continued to commemorate it with high enthusiasm and political significance.

The Kashmir Conflict:

The Kashmir dispute dates back to 1947 when the subcontinent was partitioned into India and Pakistan. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, then ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, acceded to India under controversial circumstances, leading to a war between India and Pakistan. The conflict resulted in the division of Kashmir, with Pakistan administering Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, while India retained control over Jammu and Kashmir. The United Nations passed resolutions calling for a plebiscite to determine the region’s fate, but the referendum was never conducted, leading to continued tensions.

Over the decades, the Kashmir issue has remained a flashpoint in India-Pakistan relations, resulting in multiple wars and ongoing hostilities. The revocation of Article 370 by the Indian government in August 2019 further escalated tensions, as it stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, leading to widespread protests and international outcry.

Observance of Kashmir Day in Pakistan:

Every year on February 5th, Pakistan commemorates Kashmir Day with great zeal. The day is marked by various activities that underscore the country’s unwavering support for Kashmiris:

  1. Public Holiday: Kashmir Day is a national public holiday in Pakistan, with government offices, schools, and businesses closed to allow participation in events.
  2. Human Chains: A major highlight of the day is the formation of human chains at key entry points between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, symbolizing unity between Pakistanis and Kashmiris.
  3. Seminars and Conferences: Intellectuals, politicians, and journalists hold discussions on the historical and political aspects of the Kashmir dispute, advocating for peaceful resolutions and international intervention.
  4. Rallies and Demonstrations: Political and religious parties organize marches and rallies across major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, chanting slogans in support of Kashmiri freedom.
  5. Media Coverage: Pakistani media dedicates special programs, documentaries, and talk shows to highlight human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir and reinforce the call for self-determination.
  6. Speeches and Resolutions: Leaders, including the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, deliver speeches reaffirming Pakistan’s moral and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri cause.

International Perspectives and Responses:

Kashmir Day is not only observed in Pakistan but also garners attention worldwide. Pakistani communities abroad, especially in the UK, the US, and the Middle East, hold demonstrations to draw global awareness to the plight of Kashmiris. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and several human rights organizations have also voiced concerns over the situation in Kashmir, urging a peaceful resolution in accordance with UN resolutions.

However, India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of its territory and views Pakistan’s observance of Kashmir Day as interference in its internal affairs. The Indian government has repeatedly dismissed Pakistani claims and urges bilateral discussions rather than international involvement.

Conclusion:

Kashmir Day is more than just a public holiday in Pakistan; it is a symbol of resistance, unity, and an ongoing struggle for self-determination. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Kashmiris and Pakistan’s commitment to their cause. As tensions persist, the significance of this day remains crucial in keeping the Kashmir issue alive on diplomatic, political, and humanitarian fronts. The hope for a peaceful resolution, based on justice and human rights, continues to drive Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir

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