Kashmir Solidarity Day: Pakistan calls for accountability over Indian atrocities in IIOJK

Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, 2025, to express unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s ongoing struggle for self-determination.

The day is marked as a public holiday across the country, with a variety of events taking place to show solidarity with the residents of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Every year, the day is observed with rallies, protests, and symbolic gestures of unity. In Islamabad, a major rally will be held at Constitution Avenue, where a siren will sound at 10 a.m. followed by a minute of silence to honor Kashmiri martyrs.

Additionally, posters and billboards highlighting the plight of Kashmiris have been displayed in public places, including airports and railway stations.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the AJK Legislative Assembly is convening a special session to express solidarity with the people of IIOJK.

Human chains will be formed in several locations, including Mangla, Kohala, Bararkot, and Azad Pattan, symbolizing the unity between Pakistan and AJK. A special function will take place at Mangla Bridge in Mirpur, with similar events planned in Kotli and Bhimber districts.

In his message for the day, President Asif Ali Zardari reminded the international community of its responsibility toward Kashmir, urging the United Nations to fulfill its promises made 78 years ago to support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the people and government of Pakistan reaffirm their commitment to the Kashmiri people’s legitimate struggle.

He stressed that in the interest of long-lasting peace in South Asia, the international community must urge India to allow Kashmiris to determine their own future.

He further stated that peace cannot be achieved by suppressing the genuine aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Prime Minister Sharif also condemned India's actions in Kashmir, particularly the unilateral decisions taken by India on August 5, 2019, to alter the region’s political and demographic landscape.

He reiterated that the Kashmir issue remains central to Pakistan's foreign policy and vowed continued diplomatic, moral, and political support for Kashmir’s struggle until the realization of their self-determination as enshrined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Read more: Posters of PM, COAS, appear on streets of IIOJK ahead of Kashmir Day

The Pakistan Armed Forces, led by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad and other military leaders, also reaffirmed their support for the Kashmiri people.

In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military condemned the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions.

The statement called on the international community and global human rights organizations to take decisive action to address the ongoing crisis.

The military also emphasized its unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause, stating that Pakistan’s armed forces will remain resolute in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and supporting the Kashmiri people in their fight for freedom and dignity.