The Kashmir Solidarity Day was being observed on Wednesday (today), February 5, with fervour, reaffirming solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to details, the political leaders, armed forces and civil society paid homage to the decades-long struggle of Kashmiris, condemning human rights violations in the region.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people.
"We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the just struggle of the Kashmiri people," Zardari stated.
He condemned India’s continued repression in Kashmir, asserting that "Indian actions cannot suppress the spirit of self-determination among Kashmiris."
The president urged the United Nations to honour its 77-year-old commitments regarding Kashmir and vowed that Pakistan would persist in extending moral, diplomatic, and political support to Kashmiris.
"Pakistan will always stand with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters," Zardari affirmed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his statement, declared self-determination a fundamental principle of international law.
"Every year, the government and people of Pakistan commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day," PM Shehbaz said.
He denounced the atrocities in Indian-administered Kashmir, describing it as one of the most heavily militarised regions in the world.
"Innocent Kashmiris live under an atmosphere of fear and terror," PM Shehbaz added.
He condemned the prolonged detention of political activists and human rights defenders and criticised restrictions imposed on genuine Kashmiri political parties.
"India’s attempts aim to alter the demographic structure of occupied Kashmir," the prime minister said.
He urged the global community to pressure India into granting Kashmiris the right to determine their future.
"Jammu and Kashmir will remain a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy," PM Shehbaz added, saluting the courage and resolve of Kashmiris.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement reaffirming the commitment of the armed forces to the just cause of Kashmiris.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, service chiefs, and the armed forces paid tribute to the resilience of Kashmiris, who had endured decades of oppression.
"Kashmiris' unwavering determination against brutality is a source of inspiration for the nation," the ISPR said.
The statement strongly condemned the gross human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, terming them a blatant disregard for international laws.
"The global community, human rights organisations, and the United Nations must take decisive action," the ISPR stated.
It reaffirmed the armed forces’ resolve to stand with the Kashmiri people and called for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions in line with Kashmiris’ aspirations.
In Belgium, the Pakistani embassy hosted a seminar on Kashmir Solidarity Day, where messages from the president, prime minister, and foreign minister were read aloud.
A documentary highlighting the Kashmir conflict was screened, and speakers lauded the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people.
"Both the Kashmir and Palestine issues symbolise longstanding struggles against human rights violations," the speakers stated.
They condemned India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, and demanded their reversal. Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Belgium, Faraz Zaidi, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unshakable support for Kashmiris.
"Pakistan will continue to provide all possible assistance to the just struggle of Kashmiris for self-determination," Zaidi declared, appreciating the efforts of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora in Belgium.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari emphasised that February 5 was marked globally as Kashmir Day.
Speaking at Liberty Chowk in Lahore, Bokhari stated, "Punjab’s government is commemorating this day with great enthusiasm."
In Muzaffarabad, a torch-bearing rally was held from Old Secretariat to Azadi Chowk.
Protesters carried torches, flags, and banners while chanting slogans in favour of Kashmir’s independence.
In Mirpur, candles were lit at Shaheed Chowk to honour the martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir, with prayers offered for their souls.
A similar ceremony took place in Bhimber, where a signature campaign was launched to support the Kashmiri cause.
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that Pakistan’s 250 million citizens stood with Kashmiris until their liberation.
"Today, the entire country is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day," Rehman declared.
He announced that he would address a rally on Mall Road in Lahore.
"The ongoing protest movement against high electricity prices will also be discussed," Rehman stated.
He urged Pakistanis to turn out in large numbers to demonstrate their unwavering support for Kashmiris.
"Kashmir is Pakistan’s ideological, geographical, and economic lifeline," Rehman stressed, adding that the liberation of occupied Kashmir remained essential for the completion of Pakistan’s mission.
The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning Indian atrocities and expressing solidarity with Kashmiris.
The resolution paid tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir’s freedom struggle and honoured the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces. "The implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir must be ensured," assembly members demanded.
In Hala, the rally was held to express solidarity with Kashmiris. Participants carried banners and chanted slogans supporting the right to self-determination.
Security arrangements across Lahore were bolstered, with over 11,000 police personnel deployed to safeguard 448 rallies, gatherings, and processions.
"A comprehensive security plan has been formulated," police officials confirmed.
Across Punjab, 346 rallies, 84 seminars, and 23 other events took place under strict security surveillance. Punjab’s Inspector General of Police directed senior officials to oversee the processions personally.
"All gatherings will be monitored through Safe City cameras," police stated. Walkthrough gates and other security measures were implemented to ensure foolproof arrangements.
In Peshawar and Mardan, the Education Department issued directives for private schools to arrange special events on Kashmir Solidarity Day.
The Private Schools Regulatory Authority instructed all institutions to organise speeches and debates highlighting Kashmir’s struggle.
