On February 5, 2025, Pakistan once again observed Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirming its firm support for the people of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle for self-determination. The government of Pakistan, its people and Pakistani embassies worldwide stood in unity, sending a clear message that Kashmir remains a disputed territory and its people deserve freedom from illegal Indian occupation. The issue of Kashmir is not just a territorial dispute but a humanitarian crisis, where violence, suppression and human rights violations continue to escalate. Despite India’s relentless efforts to silence Kashmiri voices, Pakistan has consistently raised the issue at international forums, fought for Kashmiri rights on diplomatic fronts and extended moral, political and diplomatic support to the oppressed people of IIOJK.
Since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, Pakistan has maintained a principled stance on Kashmir. The Instrument of Accession, which India claims as the legal basis of its occupation, remains highly controversial and illegitimate as it was signed under duress by a ruler who had already lost control of his state. From the very beginning, Pakistan has called for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, which promise the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The UNSC passed Resolution 47, calling for a free and fair plebiscite in Jammu &Kashmir, allowing its people to decide whether they wish to join Pakistan or India. However, despite these clear directives, India has continued to defy international law and denied Kashmiris their right to vote on their future.
Pakistan has continuously used diplomatic channels to highlight India’s illegal occupation. At the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Pakistani leaders, including former leadership and current Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, have delivered strong speeches with strong messages and exposing India’s war crimes, human rights abuses and illegal actions inIIoJK. They have urged world leaders to take action against India’s violations of international law.
On August 5, 2019, India unilaterally revoked Article 370 and 35A of its constitution, stripping IIoJK of its special status. This move violated the UN resolutions and was a direct attempt to integrate Kashmir into India, disregarding the wishes of its people. The decision led to a complete lockdown in the region, mass arrests, communication blackouts and increased military presence.Pakistan strongly opposed India’s illegal action, calling it a clear violation of international law. In response, Pakistan took strong steps, including expelling the Indian High Commissioner and stopping trade with India to apply economic pressure. It also brought the Kashmir issue to the United Nations Security Council, urging the world to take notice. To protest against India’s move, Pakistan declared August 5 as “Youm-e-Istehsal” (Day of Exploitation) to highlight the suffering of Kashmiris. Pakistan also worked to inform the international community about the situation and urged support for Kashmir’s right to freedom.
Pakistan has been at the forefront of exposing India’s state-sponsored terrorism in IoK. Dossiers with concrete evidence of Indian military excesses, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, rape as a weapon of war and the use of pellet guns against unarmed civilians, have been presented to the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international bodies.The OIC has repeatedly passed resolutions condemning Indian atrocities and has urged India to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions. Pakistan has played a key role in keeping Kashmir on the agenda of the OIC, ensuring that the issue is not overlooked by the Muslim world.Pakistan has also taken legal steps, such as urging the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and international human rights organizations to investigate India’s crimes against humanity in IoK.
Pakistan has always supported the Kashmiri people’s right to resist illegal occupation through peaceful and legal means. The Kashmiri resistance is a struggle for freedom, not terrorism, as falsely claimed by India. Pakistan has provided diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiri leaders, including late Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, who have been jailed, tortured, or placed under house arrest for speaking against Indian oppression.
Pakistan has also used social media and global campaigns to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Kashmir. International activists, human rights organizations and Pakistani diaspora communities have worked to amplify the voices of the oppressed Kashmiris. Protests in London, New York and Toronto have drawn global attention to India’s brutal policies in IIOJK.Despite Pakistan’s continuous efforts, the international response remains disappointing. Many global powers prioritize their economic and strategic interests with India over human rights and justice. However, Pakistan remains steadfast, refusing to accept India’s illegal occupation as a settled matter.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is a reminder that Pakistan will never abandon the people of IIOJK. As long as Kashmir remains occupied, Pakistan’s struggle will continue. The world must wake up to India’s crimes and act before it is too late. The people of Kashmir deserve justice, peace and the right to choose their own future, a right promised to them but denied for far too long.
Pakistan’s message to the world is clear: Kashmiris are not alone and their fight for freedom will be supported until the day justice prevails.
The writer is perusing BS International Relations at NDU, Islamabad and Intern at Kashmir Institute of International Relations
