Banks nationwide to close on February 5 in observance of Kashmir Day

In a recent announcement, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) declared that banks across the country will remain closed on February 5 (Monday) in commemoration of Kashmir Day. The central bank issued a statement on Wednesday, confirming the closure of the State Bank of Pakistan on this day.

“The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on 5th February, 2024 (Monday) being a public holiday on the occasion of ‘Kashmir Day’ as declared by the Government of Pakistan,” the statement from the SBP read.

Kashmir Day is observed annually on February 5 in Pakistan to honour and remember the struggles and sacrifices of Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Last week, the federal government officially declared February 5 as a national holiday throughout the country. The Cabinet Division’s decision includes a national observance with a one-minute silence at 10 am on Kashmir Day.

In addition to the nationwide recognition, the Sindh government also issued a notification today to observe Kashmir Day.

On this day, the nation sends a resounding message of solidarity and support to the people living in the Indian-occupied valley. The Kashmir issue continues to be a significant point of contention between Pakistan and India. Islamabad consistently calls on the international community to organise a plebiscite in the disputed territory.

The conflict gained global attention after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to unilaterally revoke Article 370 of the Indian Constitution on August 5, 2019, which granted special status to the IIOJK. Pakistan has emphasised that normalising ties with India is contingent on the restoration of Kashmir’s special status.