MUHAMMAD SHOAIB KHAN- Kashmir Day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (a political party) in 1990. In 1991, the then-Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif called for a “Kashmir Solidarity Day Strike” Followed by public processions Pakistan government try to make it aware of the international community regarding the suppression of Kashmiris in Indian administered Kashmir. Also, special programmes were held to demonstrate complete solidarity with the Kashmiris and protests were arranged against the Indian oppression of Kashmiris. It is observed to show Pakistan’s support and show unity with the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Solidarity Day is on February 5, and this day is observed by the people in Pakistan and Kashmir who have been fighting for their freedom for more than 70 years. This day is also celebrated in honour of the Kashmiris who have lost their lives in the fight for freedom. Activities on the day are conducted across Pakistan to portray solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Many freedom fighters have lost their loved ones in their struggle for a separate identity on the world’s map and Pakistan supports Kashmir in its primary right to self-determination.
A resource filled piece of land lies in north of Pakistan. Since partition of Sub continent primary conflict in between two rivalries of in South Asia is Kashmir conflict. Both parties claim it as their integral part. Founder of Pakistan called Kashmir as jugular vein, Pakistan always supported the right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir so that they could decide their fate. The struggle is known by everyone i.e. from a common man to a diplomat and from Asian to European countries but still the issue is unresolved. So it needs to be projected in the international community that human crisis is taking place every day in Indian occupied region. The UNMOGIP is not allowed by Indian authorities to visit Indian occupied Kashmir to know the real picture of the valley. Whereas Pakistani authorities conducted separate visits of the group to let the international community know the real picture in AJK. So, Pakistan decided to officially support the Kashmir cause on 5th Feb in 1990. As a national holiday, every year day begin with special prayers in the mosques for the “liberation of Kashmir.” A minute’s silence was observed throughout the country to solidarity.
Kashmir issue has been raised by Pakistan on a global level, but international leaders and the United Nations have not been successful in solving the problem. However, the people of Pakistan continue to support the people of Kashmir in fight towards their goal by conducting Kashmir Solidarity Day in February every year. The day is observed in Pakistan to show support to Kashmir and let them know that they are not alone. On this day all people pay tribute to the brave freedom fighters of Kashmir who have lost their lives while fighting for independence. This is done to encourage the people of Kashmir and to motivate them.
Similarly killing of Burhan wani and other prominent Kashmiri youth leaders were also condemned by international community but after that there is silence over the issue which cause an unrest within Muslims around the world. Issue of Imprisonment of Yasin Malik was almost took up at every international forum but unfortunately India did not released him. Furthermore Indian abrogation of article 370 and 35(A), scrapped the special status granted to Indian occupied Kashmir, was also condemned by Pakistan, but as I mentioned earlier that international community kept its silence over the issue. These factors led Pakistan to once again show its support and solidarity with Kashmiri people. According to several human rights organizations, thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the conflict in the region since 1989.
The valley of Kashmir is known as ‘heaven on earth.’ Kashmir is one of the most popular tourist spots in world as it possesses exceptional beauty and is a place that must be visited at least once in your lifetime. Unfortunately, it has been riddled with territorial conflict since 1947. From the partition of the subcontinent, the freedom of Kashmir has been an issue of conflict between India and Pakistan. The conflict between the two countries increases with every passing year.
Writer is political and media analysts who writes regularly on international political issues
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