5 February is the day when Pakistanis all over the world observe Kashmir Solidarity Day to express unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination as enshrined in the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions. This day is dedicated to showing support and unity with the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir, their ongoing freedom struggle, and to paying homage to the martyrs who lost their lives while fighting Indian subjugation. On this occasion, Pakistan shakes the world’s conscience and reminds them that the people of IIOJK deserve peace and the right to a dignified life.
The day is marked by public processions, rallies, seminars, special messages, and other programs highlighting the plight of Kashmiris. Another common spectacle is the formation of a human chain on all major and historical routes connecting Azad Kashmir with Pakistan. This symbolizes unity and solidarity to reassure Kashmiris that they are not alone in their struggle.
The people of Pakistan have a deep cultural, familial, religious, and historical affinity with Kashmir, and the Kashmir dispute is considered an unfinished agenda of the partition of the Indian subcontinent. According to two nation theory and partition principles of 3rd June 1947, Kashmir was a natural part of Pakistan. Kashmiris’ ongoing freedom struggle is basically the continuation of the Pakistan Movement, and Kashmiris draw inspiration from the Pakistan movement of 1940 which resulted in the emergence of Pakistan. The people of Kashmir not only supported and Quaid-e-Azam’s struggle for the emergence of a separate state for the Muslims of the subcontinent but also took an active part in it. Quaid-e-Azam had great love for Kashmiris and he termed Kashmir as the jugular vein of Pakistan. In the light of the vision of the father of the nation, Pakistan considers it a national duty to support Kashmiris just struggle and Kashmiris consider themselves as true Pakistanis. Kashmiris’ attachment and love for Pakistan can be judged by the fact that they declared their accession to the newly born state even before it came into existence. July 19 is an important milestone in history in this regard, when the sole and true representatives of the Kashmiri people through a unanimous resolution decided to accede to Pakistan. This resolution demonstrates Kashmiris’ unconditional love for Pakistan. It is also a reflection of an unbreakable relationship between the Kashmiri people and Pakistan. Kashmiris all over the world commemorate 19 July every year as “Accession to Pakistan Day” to renew their unwavering affiliation with Pakistan.
It is an established fact that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was geographically, historically, culturally and ethnically part of Pakistan but India’s policy of deceit and deception, expansionism and perpetual denial to implementation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir have pushed the region into a quagmire of uncertainty.
Love for Pakistan is in the blood of Kashmiris which India had failed to eliminate despite employing brute force having no parallel across the world. India has turned Kashmir into a military garrison by deploying its over one million trigger happy troops who are brutalizing Kashmiris with atrocious vengeance. These brute forces have killed nearly one hundred thousand Kashmiris since 1989. Thousands have been crippled and blinded through torture and use of brute force. Thousands are rotting in Indian jails. Over one hundred fifty thousand children have been orphaned and over 40 thousand women widowed due to Indian State terrorism. In order to paralyze Kashmiris economically thousands of shelters have been reduced to ashes by occupation forces. Devil forces have raped over 11 thousand Kashmiri women to humiliate and intimidate Kashmiris. Despite all these horrible crimes India has failed to conquer Kashmiris’ quest for freedom and accession to Pakistan.
The historical slogan introduced by late veteran pro-freedom leader Syed Ali Gilani “We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours” has become the slogan of every Kashmiri young and old and every nook and corner of Kashmir reverberates by these slogans. It has always been a dream of Kashmiris to become part of Pakistan and the day is not far when this dream will come true.
Kashmir is the main pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistani people, its governments, and especially its Armed forces played a commendable role in highlighting the Kashmir cause. Pakistan since its existence is constantly pleading the Kashmir case at all international and regional forums. The untiring diplomatic efforts of Pakistan have undoubtedly internationalized the Kashmir issue and exposed the ugly face of imperialist India. Pakistan became the victim of Indian aggression on many occasions and India foisted many wars on Pakistan for supporting the Kashmiris’ just struggle. Even today it is conspiring to destabilize Pakistan by sponsoring terrorism. But despite all threats, Pakistan stands rock solid behind Kashmiris.
Pakistan is the final destiny of the people of Kashmir. They believe that their future will only be secured if they become part of Pakistan. The fascist Modi regime’s illegal action on 5 August 2019 is clear proof that India has no feelings for Kashmiris and that it is only interested in the land of Kashmiris. That is why it is hell-bent on annihilating Kashmiris and imposing its devilish Hindu supremacist ideology Hindutva in Kashmir. The Modi regime is following the Zionist policy in Kashmir. It is settling non-state Hindu fanatics in Kashmir with the intention of changing the demography of the state. It is snatching Kashmiris’ properties and plundering the natural resources of Kashmir. This colonial settler policy speaks volumes of Modi’s animosity and hatred of Kashmiri Muslims. The Modi regime is not only trampling humanity in Kashmir but it has declared full-fledged war against Indian Muslims to wipe out them. Indian Muslims are killed, their homes and religious places are demolished and their lives, honor, and identity are at stake. Modi regime’s nefarious designs vindicate the Two-Nation Theory and those who opposed Quaid-e-Azam’s ideology regret their actions today.
The hearts of Pakistanis are bleeding for what is going on in Kashmir and India with Muslims. Pakistan is raising its voice against these brazen violations of human rights at all levels. Kashmiris consider Pakistan and its armed forces as saviors and protectors. Pakistan’s uncompromising stand, and unequivocal, unflinching, and unwavering support to the just struggle of Kashmiris is a source of strength and encouragement for the people of Kashmir. It further solidifies the historical, cultural, religious, and geographical ties in which they are tied and infuses a new spirit in the freedom movement. It is a clear message that the hearts of Kashmiris and Pakistanis throb in unison.
The writer is Insaf Party J&K vice chairman and APHC-AJK chapter leader
