Islamabad : On Thursday, Pakistan observed Kashmir Solidarity Day to express continued support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their ongoing struggle for self-determination.
The occasion aimed to draw attention to the situation in the disputed region and highlight the reported human rights violations there. Across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, various activities such as rallies, solidarity walks, seminars, and exhibitions were held to mark the day. At 10:00 AM, people nationwide observed a one-minute silence to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the fight for Kashmir’s freedom.
In their statements, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support for Kashmiris. They emphasized that Kashmiris’ right to self-determination is enshrined in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and called for global action to press India to cease its alleged human rights abuses in the region.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also urged the international community to take decisive action against the worsening human rights situation in IIOJK. He stressed that India’s unilateral actions must be held accountable and that UN resolutions should be implemented to allow Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination.
Dar condemned India’s stance, which he argued undermines the UN Charter, UNSC resolutions, and the Fourth Geneva Convention. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute.
Pakistan’s military leaders, including Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, expressed their solidarity with the people of IIOJK. They underlined the importance of a fair and lasting resolution to the Kashmir issue, in line with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, to ensure lasting peace in South Asia.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir and acknowledged the deep connection Pakistanis share with the region. She expressed concern over the situation in Kashmir and called on the United Nations and other global organizations to take action against human rights violations in IIOJK. Maryam reaffirmed Pakistan’s ongoing support for Kashmir’s freedom and hoped that the Kashmiri people would one day achieve their goal of self-determination.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for Kashmir and called it the nation’s “jugular vein.” He recalled the significant diplomatic efforts of former leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto in advocating for Kashmir at the United Nations and highlighted the continued efforts of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to bring international attention to the issue.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the persistent oppression faced by the Kashmiri people in IIOJK, emphasizing that despite decades of hardship, the determination of the Kashmiri people remains unshaken. He pointed out that his mother, Benazir Bhutto, had designated February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day to honor the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs and keep their cause alive.
Bilawal criticized the international community for its failure to take meaningful action and urged it to fulfill its moral and legal obligations under international law and UNSC resolutions. He reaffirmed PPP’s continued commitment to fighting for the rights and freedom of the Kashmiri people at every available platform.
