Kashmir Day - Honoring the Struggles and Sacrifices of Kashmiris

Kashmir Day is celebrated on February 5 every year. On this day, Pakistan commemorates and pays tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives in the fight for Kashmiri independence.  

We celebrate this day to reinforce and show support for the Kashmiri freedom movement. The ceremony is in honour of Pakistan’s defence of Jammu and Kashmir in the years that followed the partition in 1947–1948. It is a day that makes the entire country stand as one. 

Kashmir, the heaven on Earth, has been blazing for more than seven decades, unnoticed by those who make global decisions. Indian military forces invaded Pakistan’s borders against their will and occupied Kashmir after the emergence of Pakistan. However, after a UN resolution, Pakistan withdrew its forces. At that time, both nations were engaged in military conflict with one another. 

Sadly, the UN resolution was not followed, and the Kashmiris have been subjected to more than 70 years of being forced, robbed, tortured, murdered, assaulted, and abandoned. 

The Kashmir Conflict at Partition 

Kashmir formed an important component of sub-continental history in the eighth and ninth centuries. In these centuries, both Buddhism and Hinduism expanded in the region. While Christianity is the most popular religion in Kashmir, Islam has been the center of its inhabitants’ interest since the 13th century. 

Muslims ruled the valley for more than five centuries after the Sikhs and then the British rulers had previously ruled the region before the Muslim population in the valley attained the majority. 

The Indian subcontinent was divided after the British rulers decided to end the situation and return to their own homeland. All parties agreed that Pakistan would consist of the Muslim-populated portions of the Indian Subcontinent, while India would have the rest of the subcontinent. 

However, Lord Mountbatten and the Indian government at the time collaborated against Pakistan and forcibly took control of what is now known as occupied Kashmir. The first of three wars in the region was fought between Pakistan and India. However, the UN adopted a resolution in 1949 to decide the region’s fate with the approval of Kashmiri citizens. 

Indian Military Operations in Kashmir 

Since the Indian military forces took control of the valley, many attacks by those forces have resulted in the death of thousands of Kashmiris. The allegations of human rights abuse in the Kashmir valley have been supported by independent sources and media organizations. Since 1989, the valley has reportedly lost more than 100,000 residents, according to independent advocates for human rights. 

For the previous four decades, horrible atrocities of human abuse, victimization, rape, child torture, and child disappearance have been reported from the area. 

The Response of Kashmir’s Citizens 

Despite the violent operations of the Indian armed forces, the Indian government was unable to silence the voice of independence emerging from every home in Kashmir. The brutal actions of the Indian military forces have been condemned by Kashmiri youth all these years. However, the Indian military declared a lockdown in 2019 on the entire state, and it is still in effect today. 

Numerous Kashmiris have lost their battle for survival as a result of a scarcity of food and water. People are confined inside their homes and unable to leave for work. But no amount of lockdown could deter the area’s youth, and there has not been a single day without protest rallies. 

Pakistan’s Stance on the Kashmir Conflict 

Pakistan has maintained a unified position ever since the UN adopted a resolution to resolve the Kashmir issue by the residents of Kashmir’s preferences. Pakistan has backed the approach taken by Kashmiri citizens to resolve the conflict. The problem has been brought up on international platforms by every Prime Minister and the Pakistani government. 

How Does Pakistan Celebrate Kashmir Solidarity Day? 

Pakistan celebrates Kashmir Day, a national holiday, on February 5 every year to support the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are subject to Indian rule, and to express support for them in their struggle for independence. 

Among the more prevalent events are: 

1. Rallies and Protests  

Across Pakistan, people take to the streets to condemn the Indian assault in Kashmir and to express solidarity for the Kashmiri cause. 

2. Political and Religious Speeches 

Speakers from a variety of political and religious groups show their support for the Kashmiri people and call for an end to the human rights abuses carried out in the region by Indian forces. 

3. Prayers and Quran Readings 

Mosques and other religious institutions organize special prayers and Quran readings for the well-being of the Kashmiri people and regional peace. 

4. Government and Official Events 

The Pakistani government will organize formal events like flag-raising ceremonies and memorial services for Kashmiri martyrs. 

5. Media Coverage 

Special programs and coverage are run by the Pakistani media to create awareness about the Kashmir dispute and the sufferings of the Kashmiri people. 

These activities are meant to draw attention to the current conflict in Kashmir and highlight the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the problem.