By Romana Asad Khan ( PIDPeshawar)

Every year, 5th February is observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day to reaffirm Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This day serves as a solemn reminder of the prolonged and legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

The Kashmir dispute remains one of the oldest unresolved issues on the agenda of the United Nations. Despite the passage of several decades, the people of IIOJK continue to face grave human rights violations, including restrictions on fundamental freedoms, arbitrary detentions, demographic engineering, and the excessive use of force. These actions have not only intensified the suffering of the Kashmiri people but have also posed serious challenges to peace and stability in the South Asian region.
A particularly dark chapter in the history of the Kashmir dispute emerged on 5th August 2019, when India unilaterally revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and illegally attempted to alter its internationally recognized status. This move was accompanied by the issuance of new maps, depicting parts of the disputed territory as an integral part of India, in blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. The decision was widely condemned as an act of sheer oppression, aimed at suppressing the Kashmiri identity and silencing their collective voice through force, prolonged lockdowns, communication blackouts, and mass arrests. These unilateral actions further exposed India’s disregard for international commitments and the basic human rights of the Kashmiri people.

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Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir issue at international forums and has reiterated its principled stance that lasting peace in South Asia is not possible without a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The Government of Pakistan remains firmly committed to extending political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri cause and will continue to do so until the Kashmiri people are able to freely determine their own future.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed across the country through a wide range of activities aimed at highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB) plays a central role in these observances through its subsidiary and attached departments. The Press Information Department (PID) actively contributes by organizing seminars, awareness sessions, and rallies, as well as by publishing articles, features, and special supplements in print and digital media. These efforts aim to keep the Kashmir issue alive in public discourse and ensure that the voice of the Kashmiri people reaches national and international audiences.

In addition, the Information Service Academy organizes exhibitions to showcase the Kashmiri struggle, providing a platform for citizens and officials to engage with the issue creatively and educationally. The External Publicity Wing further amplifies this cause by sending informative articles and publications to Pakistani embassies abroad, promoting awareness and garnering international attention. These coordinated efforts reinforce Pakistan’s message globally and play a vital role in disseminating the plight and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Alongside these, the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications (DEMP), Islamabad, engages students through seminars, documentary screenings, and painting competitions in schools and universities. Through creative expression, students depict the pain, resilience, and unwavering struggle of the Kashmiri people. Prizes and certificates are distributed to encourage participation and reinforce the importance of the cause, fostering empathy and responsibility among the youth.

The observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day also reflects the deep emotional, religious, and cultural bonds between the people of Pakistan and Kashmir. On this day, the sacrifices, patience, and steadfastness of the Kashmiri people are acknowledged, and the nation stands united in expressing complete solidarity with their just struggle.
The Government of Pakistan urges the international community, global human rights organizations, and international media to take serious notice of the ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Upholding international law, human dignity, and the principles of justice is essential for preventing further deterioration of the situation and ensuring lasting peace in the region.

Pakistan, as a responsible and peace-loving state, continues to advocate dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international obligations. The implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people, remains the only viable path toward a peaceful and sustainable settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
On Kashmir Solidarity Day, Pakistan once again renews its pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kashmir. Pakistan will continue its efforts at all levels until the Kashmiri people succeed in exercising their right to self-determination and achieving their legitimate rights. Their struggle is a struggle for justice, dignity, and freedom—a cause that deserves the attention and conscience of the entire world.