Kashmir Solidarity Day is a public holiday in Pakistan on February 5 each year. It focuses on showing Pakistan’s support and unity with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir, their ongoing freedom struggle, and to pay homage to Kashmiri martyrs who lost their lives fighting for Kashmir’s freedom. People in Pakistan and Kashmir who have been fighting for their freedom for more than 70 years. This day is also celebrated in honor of the Kashmiris who have lost their lives in the fight for freedom.
Kashmir Day is observed by people throughout Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK). It is an internationally recognized day observed by people, predominantly Kashmiris, worldwide. The day is marked by public processions, special prayers in mosques for the liberation of Kashmir and protests that are carried out against the Indian oppression of Kashmir.
Kashmir Day is also of particular political importance to major political and religious parties in both Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. Processions, rallies, conferences and seminars are organized by
many political and religious parties where politicians, heads of religious organizations, opinion leaders, and influential public figures address the masses and speak to support the Kashmiri freedom movement. These leaders and spokespeople also advocate a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. Long marches, and rallies sponsored by political organizations, religious parties and other organizations are held, in which people chant slogans to support the Kashmiri freedom struggle and to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
Another common spectacle is the formation of a human chain on all major routes leading to Azad Kashmir from Pakistan. People stand in rows with their hands clasped forming a human chain on all major crossings into Azad Kashmir from Pakistan. This symbolizes unity and solidarity to reassure Kashmiris that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom.
Special cultural programs and festivals are also held to promote Kashmiri culture and tradition. News and entertainment channels air special programs, talk shows, dramas and Kashmiri songs about the oppression and brutalities suffered by Kashmiris over the years. Educational institutions organize debate competitions and dialogue forums where students express their views and ideas for resolving Kashmiri-related issues.
HISTORY OF KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY
The valley of Kashmir is known as ‘heaven on earth.’ Kashmir is one of the most popular tourist spots in Pakistan — it possesses exceptional beauty and is a place that must be visited at least once
in your lifetime. Unfortunately, it has been riddled with territorial conflict since 1947.
From the partition of the subcontinent, the freedom of Kashmir has been an issue of conflict between India and Pakistan. The conflict between the two countries increases with every passing year.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed across Pakistan to portray solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Many freedom fighters have lost their loved ones in their struggle for a separate identity on the world’s map and Pakistan supports Kashmir in its primary right to self-determination.
Kashmir Solidarity Day was established by the opposition leader of Pakistan at the time, Nawaz Sharif, in 1990. Sharif called for a strike throughout Pakistan as a protest against the Indian army, which held some parts of Kashmir. He appealed to the nation to pray for Kashmir’s freedom.
The Kashmir issue has been raised by Pakistan on a global level, but international leaders and the United Nations have not been successful in solving the problem. However, the people of Pakistan continue to support the people of Kashmir in their fight towards their goal by celebrating Kashmir Solidarity Day in February every year.
