MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan Day was observed across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with national enthusiasm and deep respect under the guidance of Muslim Conference President Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan. The central event was organised by the Muslim Conference Women’s Wing in Muzaffarabad, led by its Chairperson, Samia Sajid, and hosted by the district’s Senior Vice President, Syeda Maqsoom Zahoor Kazmi.
Several prominent figures attended, including Syed Karamat Shah, Syed Wajid Shah, Women’s Wing City General Secretary Maryam Mubashir, and Saba Kazmi, along with members of the public. The programme featured a recitation of the Quran by Hira Batool, a Naat by Fakhar Kazmi, and stage duties conducted by Tooba Zahid.
Samia Sajid and Maqsoom Zahoor Kazmi spoke about March 23rd, 1940 at the event which marked the moment when Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Pakistan Resolution to be approved at the gathering. The movement for an independent Pakistan succeeded despite huge resistance because Kashmiri leaders actively participated in the struggle. The attendance of Kashmiri leaders during the 1940 Lahore convention permanently joined Pakistan with Kashmir in a political relationship that would influence their destinies together.
The speakers reaffirmed the Muslim Conference’s commitment to the slogan “Kashmir Banega Pakistan”, pledging to continue their struggle until Kashmir finds the freedom it has been struggling for. Extending congratulations to the people of Pakistan, they stated that Pakistan’s completion remains incomplete until Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir gain freedom. They expressed confidence that the sacrifices of innocent Kashmiris killed by Indian forces would not be in vain and that the day was not far when Kashmiris would witness the dawn of freedom.
Kashmiri people swore their commitment to defend Pakistan while supporting its economic growth and stability during their gathering for the Pakistan Armed Forces. The celebration highlighted Pakistan Day as a key moment in the past of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir that commemorates their fight for freedom. The speakers urged unity, discipline, and hard work to strengthen Pakistan further, asserting that Kashmiris, by choice, consider themselves Pakistanis and see Pakistan as the centre of their aspirations.
After the event, Samia Sajid paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for its sacrifices in Operation Fitna Khawarij against terrorists in South Waziristan. She also commended the successful rescue of over 400 hostages from the Jaffer Express and extended congratulations to Army Chief General Asim Munir and national security institutions for their professional excellence. A special mention was made of Kashmiri Army officer Major Saad Bin Zubair’s martyrdom, recognising it as a key moment in the fight against terrorism.
