MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): On Kashmir Solidarity Day yesterday, PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris and urged India to engage in meaningful dialogue addressing the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.
Various events, including human chains, rallies, and a special assembly session in AJK, highlighted solidarity with the Kashmiri people. The Pakistan Army also reiterated its commitment to national defence, while public demonstrations and resolutions in Gilgit-Baltistan reinforced support for Kashmir’s right to self-determination.
On Wednesday, 5th of February, people from all over the country united in various ways to express solidarity with the people of Illegally Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). PM Shehbaz Sharif urged India to move past the mindset of August 5, 2019, and engage in a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue to fulfil its commitments to both the Kashmiris and the international community, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
The session was one of many events held nationwide and globally to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day, an annual occasion reaffirming support for Kashmiris resisting Indian occupation with unwavering determination.
Addressing the AJK Legislative Assembly, which was chaired by Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, the PM stated, “We have always supported peaceful coexistence with our neighbours. We aim to resolve all disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir, through peaceful, democratic, and diplomatic means. This is essential for the development and prosperity of billions in the region.”
During his visit to Muzaffarabad for the Kashmir Solidarity Day, PM Shehbaz first paid tribute at the largest Martyrs’ Monument, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir. Both laid floral wreaths at the site and observed a one-minute silence in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for the Kashmir freedom movement.
While the PM proceeded to the Legislative Assembly, the Army Chief visited a nearby military facility, where he interacted with a select group of notables and veterans.
“I stand before you as the representative of Pakistan’s 240 million people to assure you that we remain steadfast in supporting your struggle until the sacrifices made in the valley lead to your freedom,” PM Shehbaz declared during his address to the AJK Assembly.
He reminded India that oppressive and draconian laws could not erase the Kashmiri identity or displace its people from their homeland.
“The issue will not be resolved through the bloodshed of Kashmiris, the demolition of their homes, extrajudicial killings, the martyrdom of children, the imprisonment and torture of leaders, or turning the occupied region into a heavily militarized zone,” he stated.
The PM emphasized that the democratic rights of the people of occupied Palestine and Kashmir were supported by democratic nations, global institutions, and individuals worldwide, following international laws and principles.
“There cannot be double standards when it comes to justice, democracy, and the enforcement of international law. We will continue raising our voice on every global platform for what justice, democracy, and international law demand,” he stressed.
He further clarified that Pakistan’s commitment to peace should never be mistaken for weakness.
“Our pursuit of peace is driven by the enlightened principles of our faith, the democratic ideology of our founding fathers, and the strength of our system. Pakistan is a nuclear-armed state with a highly skilled and professional military, serving as an unyielding shield for national security,” he stated.
“Since its inception, Pakistan has always given a strong response to acts of aggression,” he added, citing captured Indian pilot Abhinandan and Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav as evidence of Pakistan’s military strength. Recently capital punishment was handed down to another Indian spy for the assassination of former Kashmiri leader Bashir Wani.
The PM warned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its full strength to safeguard its national interests if required.
During the session, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Leader of the Opposition Khawaja Farooq Ahmed also addressed the assembly, expressing gratitude to the people and government of Pakistan for their unwavering support for Kashmir.
In a statement issued by the ISPR, the military’s media affairs wing, the COAS reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to national defence, stating that any act of aggression would be met with a firm and decisive response.
During his meeting with notable figures, including former AJK premier Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, he reiterated that Pakistan would always stand with Kashmiris in their struggle against oppression and state-sponsored violence.
“There is no doubt that Kashmir will one day achieve freedom and become a part of Pakistan, as per the aspirations and destiny of its people,” he asserted.
Observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day
In honour of the Kashmir Solidarity Day, symbolic human chains were formed at key locations linking AJK and Pakistan, including Kohala and Bararkot in the Muzaffarabad division, Azad Pattan and Tain Dhalkot in the Poonch division, and Mangla and Holar in the Mirpur division. These demonstrations reaffirmed unwavering support for the Kashmiri people.
In Kohala, Punjab cabinet member Bilal Yasin and Balochistan MPA Dr Ashok Kumar were among the participants.
A friendly cricket match between Srinagar Eleven and Jammu Eleven was also held at Narul Stadium in Muzaffarabad, with former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Khan Afridi serving as the chief guest.
Across Pakistan, rallies, demonstrations, public gatherings, and seminars were organized in various cities and towns, including those along the Line of Control (LoC), sending a strong message of solidarity with Kashmir.
In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Kashmir Solidarity Day was marked through protests, resolutions, and public rallies. The GB Assembly unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming the region’s steadfast support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Rallies were organized in Skardu, Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, and Ghanche, with banners displayed throughout cities highlighting the plight of Kashmiris.
The main rally in Gilgit started at Aga Khan Shahi Polo Ground, passed through Raja Bazar, and concluded at Etihad Chowk. The event saw participation from ministers, government officials, treasury and opposition members, as well as activists from various political and religious organizations.
