ISLAMABAD: Every year, on February 5, Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day to honor the unwavering struggle and sacrifices of the oppressed Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This day stands as a tribute to the resilience of those who have endured decades of oppression, human rights abuses, and state terrorism at the hands of Indian occupational forces.
From Karachi to Khyber and Gawdar to Muzaffarabad, Pakistanis and Azad Kashmiris unite to pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the legitimate freedom movement that began on October 27, 1947.
The streets echo with calls for justice, as placards and banners demand the restoration of IIOJK’s special status and the fulfillment of the promised right to self-determination for over 10 million Kashmiris.
Professor Dr. Ejaz Khan, former Chairman of the International Relations Department at the University of Peshawar, highlights India’s blatant disregard for international laws, UN resolutions, and the UN Charter. He emphasizes the exposed nefarious designs of the Modi government in promoting Hindu ideology and settling Hindus in IIOJK.
ALSO READ: Pakistan Observes Kashmir Solidarity Day Tomorrow to Highlight Plights of Kashmiris
Manzoorul Haq, former Ambassador, designates October 27, 1947, and August 5, 2019, as black days in the history of Kashmir. These dates mark India’s conspiracies to erase the history, language, and ethno-cultural identity of Kashmiris. The persistent repression in IIOJK becomes a catalyst for the indigenous freedom movement in the region.
Mushtaq Ahmed Shah, Vice Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League, sheds light on the grim human rights situation. The illegal occupation has led to forced disappearances, unmarked mass graves, extrajudicial killings, and heinous crimes such as rape and molestation. A Pakistani dossier presented in September 2021 provides strong evidence of India’s involvement in war crimes and human rights abuses.
Ambassador Manzoorul Haq underscores that India’s occupation of Kashmir violates multiple articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). He emphasizes that lasting peace in South Asia is contingent upon the resolution of the core issue of Kashmir, aligning with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Muhammad Hussain Khateeb, a member of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (Gillani Group), highlights the continued deprivation of liberties in IIOJK, including communication, free media, and internet access. Kashmir Solidarity Day serves as a resolute call for justice, freedom, and international support in resolving the longstanding Kashmir issue, essential for lasting peace in the subcontinent.
