MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is celebrating its 79th Foundation Day today with determination and renewed commitment to continue the Kashmir freedom movement and the ideology of accession to Pakistan.
The day started with a 21-gun salute in the state capital, Muzaffarabad, while flag-hoisting ceremonies were held at all district and divisional headquarters. A local public holiday is also being observed today.
October 24 marks the establishment of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 under the leadership of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, following the Kashmiri people’s resistance against the Dogra regime.
The establishment of the provisional government provided an organised political and administrative platform for the Kashmir freedom movement, the AJK government said in a statement on this occasion.
The resistance against the Dogra Raj and the struggle of the Kashmiri people entered the independence movement into a decisive phase, it said.
The government reiterated that the struggle for the right to self-determination in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues, with sacrifices of the Kashmiris demanding international attention.
“October 24 reminds us that the establishment of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is the result of a historic struggle, countless sacrifices and a firm determination for independence,” it stated.
Special ceremonies held
The main Foundation Day ceremony was held at a ground adjacent to the High Court building in Muzaffarabad. The ceremony featured a parade of contingents of the police and other government departments and a flag-hoisting.
President Najeeb Naqi hoisted the national flag and inspected the parade.
Prime Minister AJK Iftikhar Gillani, government ministers, senior military and civil officials, students, and a large number of locals attended the event.
Last night, Muzaffarabad Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation of Muzaffarabad organised a firework display at Naluchi Bridge.
At 12 midnight, the sky above the capital city was lit up with fireworks while a large number of citizens witnessed the spectacle.
In Mirpur, a ceremony was organised at the Municipal Corporation lawn to commemorate the establishment of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and pay tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiris.
A smartly turned-out contingent of AJK Police presented a salute to the national flag, while special prayers were offered for the elevation of the ranks of martyrs of the Kashmir freedom struggle and the Pakistan Armed Forces.
In Jhelum Valley, the main ceremony was held at the district headquarters Hattian Bala, where Deputy Commissioner Jhelum Valley Iffat Azam, SP Jhelum Valley District Atta-ur-Rehman, military officials, and civil society participated.
The main ceremony of Neelum Valley district was held at the court premises at Athmuqam. A police contingent saluted the flags of Pakistan and AJK.
Similarly, a flag hoisting ceremony was also held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Kotli. Government Ministers Chaudhry Abdul Rehman and Raja Muhammad Riyasat Khan hoisted the flag and reiterated the resolve for the freedom of occupied Kashmir and development of AJK.
On this occasion, a well-dressed police contingent saluted the national flag, while the national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were played. A cake was cut to commemorate the 79 years of independence from Dogra rule.
The government ministers, district administration officials, police officials, and people belonging to different walks of life participated.
