Kashmir Solidarity Day 5th Feb By Qandeel Ahsan

Kashmir Day or Kashmir Solidarity Day is a public holiday in Pakistan on February 5th each year. It is a day dedicated to show 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. Kashmir Day is a public holiday in Pakistan and AJK. Government offices (federal and provincial), banks, educational institutions and businesses remain closed. However, some multinational companies continue normal business activities on this day. Public transport is available throughout the day, but traffic congestion is common in major cities. Major roads and streets remain blocked because of Kashmir Day parades and processions.

Pakistanis this year observe Kashmir Solidarity Day Thursday with the pledge to continue support for Kashmiri brothers and sisters rightful struggle against the illegal occupation of India over Jammu and Kashmir since 27th October 1947. February 5th is also observed with the objective of seeking the peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute, besides delivering a pragmatic message to the International community. The hallmark of the day has been the formation of human chain of Pakistanis and Kashmiris on all six bridges at the entering points of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). People stand in rows with their hands clasped forming a human chain on all major crossings into AJK from Pakistan. This symbolizes unity and solidarity to reassure Kashmiris that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom.

Special prayers for martyrs of Kashmir will be done prayers for victory in freedom struggle and solidarity. Special meetings, declamations, rallies are taking place all across Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. At 10.00 hours a one minute silence observed for the martyrs of Kashmir struggle. Brisk preparations are afoot to observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day to reiterate support with the Kashmiris in the Indian occupied state in their just struggle for the freedom of their homeland.

Kashmir Day is also of particular political importance to major political and religious parties in both Pakistan and AJK. 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.

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.

In Pakistan and Azad Kashmir this Day is a public holiday in Pakistan and AJK. Government offices (federal and provincial), banks, educational institutions and businesses remain closed. However, some multinational companies continue normal business activities on this day. Public transport is available throughout the day, but traffic congestion is common in major cities. Major roads and streets remain blocked because of Kashmir Day parades and processions.

Keeping in view Indian Prime Minister Modi’s machinations to unilaterally alter the status of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK), the solidarity day on February 5, has become of special significance. Foreign Secretary of Pakistan has briefed the Ambassadors of the P-5 countries and the EU, based in Islamabad, on recent developments about Kashmir. Referring to the indigenous struggle of the Kashmiris, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people. He emphasized that resolution of the Kashmir dispute was pivotal for ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.

by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)