APP, Reporters
ISLAMABAD/MUZAFFARABAD/KARACHI: Kashmir Solidarity Day was celebrated all over Pakistan on Wednesday with rallies, special sessions, public gatherings and official events, as political leaders renewed their pledge of political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to stand firmly with Kashmiris until their right to self-determination is achieved in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
PM announces development package for AJK
The prime minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiri men, women and youth, saying their struggle for freedom could not be suppressed despite decades of conflict.
“History bears witness that Kashmiris can sacrifice their lives but will never compromise on their freedom,” he said.
He announced a comprehensive development package for AJK, including the construction of Danish Schools, establishment of a modern Danish University in Muzaffarabad focusing on technology and artificial intelligence, scholarships under the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, laptops for students, enhanced stipends for migrants, new water supply schemes, hydropower projects, bridges and increased funding for higher education institutions, particularly women’s universities.
Earlier, the prime minister laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered prayers for Kashmiri martyrs as well as former AJK president Barrister Sultan Mehmood.
Linking the Kashmir issue with other global conflicts, he said durable peace in South Asia was not possible without a just settlement of the dispute. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to raising the matter at international forums.
AJK leadership reiterates unity
AJK Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore thanked the federal government for its continued support, calling Pakistan a “true partner” of the Kashmiri people.
He said decades of restrictions and heavy militarisation had failed to break the spirit of Kashmiris and appreciated ongoing development and education initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for youth.
Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar and other lawmakers also expressed solidarity with the freedom movement.
Karachi rally led by Murad Ali Shah
Meanwhile, in Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah led a large rally from People’s Chowrangi to Mazar-e-Quaid to mark the day.
Addressing participants, he said February 5 served as a reminder of the sacrifices of Kashmiris and Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to their cause.
“Freedom is the greatest blessing. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kashmir,” he said.
The chief minister said lasting peace in South Asia depended on resolving the Kashmir issue according to UN resolutions and criticised reported human rights violations in the occupied territory.
He also highlighted the Pakistan Peoples Party’s historical role in raising the Kashmir issue globally and pledged to continue diplomatic advocacy at international platforms.
Large numbers of citizens, cabinet members, senior officials and party leaders joined the rally, chanting slogans in support of Kashmir’s right to self-determination.
Nationwide observance
Across the country, solidarity walks, seminars and prayer ceremonies were held to honour Kashmiri martyrs and express unity with the people of the disputed region.
Leaders reiterated that Pakistan would continue extending political, moral and diplomatic backing to the Kashmiri people until a peaceful and just resolution of the dispute is achieved.
