On Kashmir Solidarity Day, being observed on February 5, the passion for Kashmiri self-determination burned bright across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Large-scale demonstrations, symbolic gestures, and passionate speeches marked the day, highlighting the ongoing struggle and demanding international intervention.
In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, a grand ceremony unfolded at Azadi Chowk. Participants waved flags, chanted slogans, and formed a chain of human hands connecting them to their brethren across the Line of Control. A special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was also held, with speeches reiterating support for the Kashmiri cause.
Meanwhile, thousands marched on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad, led by Foreign Ministry officials. Children, politicians, and citizens alike joined the rally, paying homage to Kashmiri martyrs and chanting "Kashmir Banega Pakistan." Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed also participated, delivering a strong message against the Indian occupation.
Hurriyat leader Mehmood Ahmed Sagar addressed the media in Islamabad, highlighting the sacrifices made by Kashmiris and the ongoing internet blockade in Occupied Kashmir. He asserted that despite oppression, Kashmiris' resolve for self-determination remains strong.
Divided families yearn to unite
Meanwhile, the pain of separation resonated deeply as Kashmiris living on opposite banks of the Neelum River expressed their yearning for reunion. Divided by the Line of Control for 76 years, families yearn to connect but remain separated by an arbitrary border. This stark reality served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict.
Across the nation, caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi emphasized the enduring demand for self-determination and condemned India's oppressive tactics. He urged the international community to play a role in securing freedom for Kashmiris.
Kashmir Solidarity Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for Kashmiri self-determination. The united voices of Kashmiris and their supporters urge the world to act and pave the way for a peaceful resolution based on the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
