Kashmir Solidarity Day observed across Pakistan

Kashmir Solidarity Day is being observed across Pakistan on Monday, Feb 5, to express support for the struggle of Kashmiris in their struggle against human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

A minute of silence was also observed at 9:30 am to pay homage to the martyrs of Kashmir.

Marking the day, large-scale demonstrations, symbolic gestures, and passionate speeches were observed across the country highlighting the ongoing struggle and demanding international intervention.

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi alongside Privatisation Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad, also took part in a rally in Islamabad in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day.

President Dr Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Mini­ster Anwarul Haq Kakar in their separate messages, reiterated the nation’s unwavering support for the Kashmir cause and the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). 

President Dr Arif Alvi in his message said that the right to self-determination is a cardinal principle of international law but regrettably, the Kashmiri people have not been able to exercise this inalienable right.

“The UN General Assembly annually adopts a resolution expressing unequivocal support for the realisation of the right to self-determination for people under foreign occupation,” President Alvi said. 

President Alvi said the people of the IIOJK had been struggling to realise their right to self-determination for the last 26 years.

“Today, IIOJK is one of the most militarized zones in the world. Kashmiris are living in an environment of fear and intimidation,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that the Kashmir Solidarity Day is annually observed on February 5 to express Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s just struggle for the realisation of their right to self-determination. 

Over the last 26 years, India has carried out a relentless campaign to intimidate and suppress the people of IIOJK, said the statement, adding that in IIOJK, the iron-fisted Indian approach frequently manifests itself in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions and custodial torture. 

Marking Kashmir Solidarity Day, notable personalites from across the Pakistan shared special statements.