“Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.” This powerful quote resonates deeply with the struggles of the Kashmiri people, who have long fought for their right to self-determination. Since the very inception of their struggle for self-determination in 1947, the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK have faced relentless repression under Indian occupation. However, Pakistan’s unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support has been a constant beacon of solidarity.
Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir is rooted in its commitment to justice, human rights and the right of the Kashmiri people to decide their own future through a free and fair plebiscite as enshrined in United Nations resolutions.
February 5, observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day, stands as a testament to Pakistan’s enduring bond with Kashmiris. It was formally marked in 1990 at the call of Qazi Hussain Ahmed, the then-leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, in response to India’s intensified military operations and brutal crackdowns in IoK. The people of Pakistan, together with successive governments, embraced the day as a symbol of collective resolve. Demonstrations, rallies and human chains became powerful expressions of unity, reflecting the shared pain and hopes of Pakistanis and Kashmiris alike. Kashmir Solidarity Day brings awareness about the problems Kashmiri people are facing, and it has become a call for action. As the world marks this day, we should remember the sufferings of Kashmiris and acknowledge our global responsibility to stand by their fight for freedom.
The Kashmiri people live under one of the world’s most heavily militarized presences, with over 700,000 Indian troops stationed in the region. This pervasive military occupation brings forth a stark reality of brutality, human rights violations, and highly repressive freedoms. International media is filled with accounts of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and disproportionate force on the civilian population. Over 95,000 have died in Kashmir since 1989; tens of thousands have been internally displaced.
The United Nations passed various resolutions on the issue declaring that the people of Kashmir have the right to self-determination, which remains unachieved till today. The government of India has often violated the UNSC resolutions that accorded rights to the people of Kashmir, aside from violating the LoC by targeting civilians on the Pakistani side. According to UNSCRs 38 (1948) and 122 (1957), any change in J&K would be immediately communicated to the security council, and any step that IIOJ&K might take to change the status or geography of the area would not represent the state’s views as decided upon by UNSC resolutions. Every UNSC resolution has been brazenly violated by the Indian administration, which is threatening for future skirmishes as well.
The event of Kashmir Solidarity Day marks the expression of unity not just in Pakistan but around the globe. The events are carried out in the form of rallies, seminars, and through human chains by the people of Pakistan to showcase their commitment towards the cause of Kashmiris. The citizens express themselves through street protests, social media campaigns, and through praying for peace in Kashmir. Special programs, documentaries, and debates that appear on electronic media add towards raising a collective voice for justice. All around the world, supporters stand in the streets, hold webinars, and have online campaigns to advocate for ending the fight. Moments of silence, prayers, and messages of solidarity all speak to a common purpose: justice. These events are imperative reminders to the world at large of its responsibility to deal with human rights abuses in Kashmir and to move toward a peaceful end.
The Pakistani government always represents the cause of Kashmir before all the international forums including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It raises this issue with the world in various diplomatic forms by reminding it about the rights that the people of Kashmir possess of self-rule under the UN resolutions.
Moreover, Pakistan offers humanity assistance where they also displace some of the families. They take those students out to school who need education.
The international community can’t remain inactive in the presence of this scenario of Kashmir crisis. It owes a moral as well as a legal responsibility to take care that the conflict is addressed in a way that it satisfies the principles of international laws and human rights. The governments, organizations, and individuals have to raise voices for accountability and tell India to respect the rights of the Kashmiri people.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is a wake-up call rather than mere symbolic observance. It reminds us of the continuous struggle of the Kashmiri people and the collective duty that lies ahead to support them. Justice for Kashmir is not only an ideal but a necessity for peace and stability in that region. This can be achieved through persistent advocacy, international cooperation, and an unwavering belief in the principles of freedom and human dignity.
On this day, let us rededicate ourselves to a future where the Kashmiri people may live free of fear or oppression, with a right to self-determination over their destiny. The path toward justice may be long, but collective action and steadfast support pave the way toward lasting peace. Together, we can work for a better tomorrow for Kashmir and its people.
–The author is a student of International Relations at International Islamic University Islamabad .
