Islamabad(The COW News Digital)Today, Pakistan and the global Pakistani community are observing Kashmir Solidarity Day, a day dedicated to expressing unwavering support for the Kashmiri people and honoring their decades-long struggle for freedom. The day is marked with solemnity, resolve, and a renewed pledge that Kashmiris are not alone in their fight for self-determination.
Across Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, citizens are paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Special ceremonies, rallies, processions, seminars, and conferences are being held in major cities to raise international awareness about the Kashmir issue and keep the global spotlight on the plight of the Kashmiri population.
One of the key symbolic events includes forming a human chain at Kohala Bridge, demonstrating solidarity with the people of the occupied valley. Pakistanis living abroad are also joining the observances, uniting their voices to support Kashmiris worldwide.
The historical and ongoing struggles of the Kashmiri people are staggering. Over the past seven decades, more than 600,000 Kashmiris have lost their lives, with the last 34 years alone accounting for over 96,000 deaths, including more than 7,000 individuals who were killed in detention. The conflict has also left over 100,000 children orphaned, highlighting the deep human cost of the ongoing crisis.
Following August 5, 2019, violence and repression have intensified, with 966 Kashmiris killed and over 25,000 detained in just five years. Thousands have faced torture in prisons, and state-imposed restrictions continue to disrupt daily life, drawing international condemnation. Even in January 2025, atrocities claimed the lives of more innocent civilians, underscoring the persistence of human rights violations.
Officials and activists emphasize that Kashmir Solidarity Day serves not only as a remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives but also as a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris. Authorities and citizens alike stress that the struggle for freedom in Kashmir is a shared commitment, reflecting Pakistan’s stance that the Kashmiri people’s fight is integral to the nation’s conscience.
The message of the day is clear: Pakistan stands firmly with the Kashmiri people, and the vision of a free and peaceful Kashmir remains a national and global aspiration. Observers hope that through sustained international attention and solidarity, the “sun of freedom” will eventually shine brightly over the entire Kashmir valley.
