Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed throughout the country

Pakistan is commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day (KSD) today (Wednesday) to express unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination as promised in United Nations' resolutions. 

The day is marked by a public holiday every year on February 5, with solidarity walks taking place across the country and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

On August 5, 2019, India revoked Article 370 and 35A of its Constitution, stripping Kashmir of its special status, illegally annexing Jammu and Kashmir into its union.

Pakistan continues to stand with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), emphasising its unwavering support for their struggle against Indian occupation and oppression.

In his message on KSD, reported by state-run Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari said that this day reminds the international community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people.

The President added that the United Nations (UN) should honour the promises made to the Kashmiris 78 years ago and support their struggle for their right to self-determination.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Wednesday issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) quoting PM Shehbaz Sharif as saying, “The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that stresses the legal right of people to decide their own destiny”.

“Today, the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains one of the most militarized zones in the world. Kashmiris are living in an environment of fear and intimidation." 

The statement further read that following India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, India’s efforts have been aimed at engineering demographic and political changes so that the Kashmiris transform into a disempowered community in their own land.

Meanwhile, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad, services chiefs and the Pakistan armed forces also reaffirmed their unwavering support for the resilient people of IIOJK in their struggle for self-determination, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The military's media wing statement said: “The Pakistan Armed Forces strongly condemn the ongoing grave violations of human rights in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions. These transgressions stand as a stark indictment of India’s blatant disregard for international law, humanitarian principles, and fundamental human rights.”

“The Pakistan Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to the just cause of Kashmir and resolute in their duty to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brethren in their rightful pursuit of freedom and dignity."