MIRPUR: The spirit of resilience and hope filled the air in Mirpur on Thursday as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government celebrated its 77th founding anniversary. Chief Justice Raja Seed Akram Khan led the ceremony, where the AJK national flag was hoisted, marking a significant milestone for the region and its people.
Chief Justice of the AJK Supreme Court, Justice Raja Seed Akram Khan, hoisted the AJK national flag to commemorate the anniversary, which marks the state’s establishment on October 24, 1947. A full-dressed contingent of AJK police honored the occasion with a salute to the flag.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including AJK Supreme Court judges Justice Khawaja Muhammad Nasim and Justice Raza Ali Khan, AJK High Court judges Justice Shahid Bahar and Nabila Ayub, AJK Custodian Chaudhry Khalid Yousuf, Deputy Commissioner Yasar Riaz, SSP Khawar Ali Shokat, and members of the legal fraternity, as well as officers from the superior and subordinate judiciary and the district administration.
The celebration included cutting a cake to mark the anniversary, along with the distribution of sweetmeats and exchanging of felicitations among attendees.
Another ceremony took place at the Municipal Corporation in Mirpur, where AJK Minister for Energy Ch. Arshad Ali and City Mayor Usman Khalid Ali hoisted the national flags of Pakistan and AJK. Following a police salute to the flags, a band performed the national anthems of Pakistan and AJK, delighting those in attendance, which included social and political workers, government employees, and community members.
During media interactions, dignitaries recalled the ongoing struggle of Kashmiris for freedom in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They urged the international community to support the Kashmiris in their quest for liberation and to allow them the opportunity to determine their future in accordance with UN resolutions on Kashmir.
Speakers emphasized historical, geographical, and religious ties that make Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of Pakistan. They called on the United Nations to fulfill its obligations and expedite a resolution to the long-standing dispute through constructive dialogue between India and Pakistan.
Commenting on the significance of the day, they noted that this year Kashmiris hold high hopes for meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue.
Similar ceremonies were held in other parts of the division, including Kotli and Bhimbher districts. Speakers affirmed that people on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) would continue their struggle for freedom until the atrocities committed against innocent Kashmiris by Indian forces come to an end.
The day began with special prayers for the early liberation of IIOJK, as well as for the progress and prosperity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and stability in Pakistan.