Pakistan Observes Kashmir Solidarity Day with Nationwide Events
LAHORE – Pakistan observed Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5 with fervor, reaffirming unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Political leaders, the armed forces, and civil society paid tribute to Kashmiris’ decades-long struggle, condemning ongoing human rights violations in the region.
Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Kashmir Cause
President Asif Ali Zardari’s Message
President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri people, condemning India’s repression in the occupied territory.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Kashmir’s just struggle,” Zardari stated, urging the United Nations to fulfill its 77-year-old promises regarding Kashmir. He assured that Pakistan would continue providing moral, diplomatic, and political support to Kashmiris.
Read More: Pakistan Declares Public Holiday On February 5th
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Statement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called self-determination a fundamental principle of international law and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to Kashmir’s cause.
“Jammu and Kashmir remain a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy,” Shehbaz declared, condemning India’s militarization of the region and its efforts to alter its demographic structure.
He urged the global community to press India into granting Kashmiris their right to self-determination.
Armed Forces Reaffirm Support for Kashmiris
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement reaffirming the Pakistani armed forces’ commitment to the Kashmiri cause.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, service chiefs, and military leadership paid tribute to Kashmiris’ resilience against oppression.
“Kashmiris’ unwavering determination against brutality is an inspiration for the nation,” ISPR stated, strongly condemning gross human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
The ISPR urged the international community, human rights organizations, and the UN to take decisive action, reaffirming support for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.
International Observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day
In Belgium, the Pakistani embassy hosted a seminar where messages from the president, prime minister, and foreign minister were read. A documentary highlighting the Kashmir conflict was screened, and speakers praised Kashmiris’ sacrifices.
“Both the Kashmir and Palestine issues symbolize longstanding struggles against human rights violations,” the speakers noted, condemning India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, and demanding their reversal.
Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in Belgium, Faraz Zaidi, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Nationwide Rallies and Events
Punjab and Lahore Observances
In Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari emphasized that February 5 is globally recognized as Kashmir Solidarity Day. She addressed a public gathering at Liberty Chowk, affirming Punjab’s enthusiastic participation.
- A torch-bearing rally in Muzaffarabad saw protesters march from Old Secretariat to Azadi Chowk, waving flags and chanting pro-Kashmir slogans.
- In Mirpur, candles were lit at Shaheed Chowk in tribute to Kashmiri martyrs.
- A signature campaign was launched in Bhimber to support the Kashmiri cause.
The Sindh Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning Indian atrocities and expressing solidarity with Kashmiris, paying tribute to martyrs and the armed forces.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Call for Action
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Kashmir, stating:
“Kashmir is Pakistan’s ideological, geographical, and economic lifeline.”
He announced his participation in a rally on Mall Road, Lahore, calling on Pakistanis to join in large numbers.
Security Measures Across Punjab
In Lahore, over 11,000 police personnel were deployed to secure 448 rallies and events.
- Across Punjab, 346 rallies, 84 seminars, and 23 events took place under strict security measures.
- The Punjab Inspector General of Police instructed senior officials to personally oversee processions.
- Events were monitored through Safe City cameras, with walkthrough gates and security checks in place.
Kashmir Solidarity Events in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In Peshawar and Mardan, the Education Department directed private schools to organize special events commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day.
The Private Schools Regulatory Authority instructed institutions to host speeches, debates, and educational programs highlighting Kashmir’s struggle for freedom.
