Kashmir Day, also
known as Solidarity Day with Kashmiris, is held annually on February 5th,
and is a significant event in Pakistan's geopolitical calendar. It aims to
raise awareness of the Kashmiris' ongoing struggle for self-determination and
freedom in Indian-administered Kashmir, as well as to recognize their
sacrifices. The event's history dates back to a demonstration by Kashmiris
in the 1990s when Indian soldiers brutally killed 91 innocent Kashmiris
to quell their peaceful protest. The then-Pakistani and Kashmiri
governments decided to dedicate a day on the Pakistani calendar to Kashmiris.
Seminars, processions,
demonstrations, the making of hand chains symbolizing the unbreakable
relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir, and other events throughout the
country or wherever Pakistanis live around the world are held to enlighten the
people and the world about Indian atrocities committed over the last seven
decades. In Pakistan, special prayers are held for its liberation, and all
officials, from the top to the lowest, debate and support the Kashmir cause in
many different capacities while considering how they might resolve it.
Political leaders, religious instructors, and civil society activists deliver
speeches emphasizing the misery of the Kashmiri people and calling for an end
to India's occupation of Kashmir.
The significance of
the day in Pakistani history is emphasized by increasing awareness of one of
South Asia's protracted conflicts, the one between India and Pakistan over
Kashmir. Since the Kashmir case has been brought to all levels, whether
international, multilateral, or bilateral; Pakistan has consistently emphasized
Kashmir's self-determination and raised awareness about India's illegal
occupation and treatment of it as a domestic/internal affair. However, it
is an international issue with UN resolutions. The event seeks to raise
awareness about human rights atrocities committed by Indian security personnel
in the region.
This year, the significance of Kashmir Day and the 5th of February has quadrupled since three days later, Pakistan will have its general elections, and it is now up to civil society organizations to wait and see which political party will support or genuinely resolve the Kashmir issue. The new administration that emerges from these elections will be accountable to the Pakistani people and expected to work to address their problems while upholding the Constitution's ideals.
This includes protecting human rights, promoting social justice, fostering national unity, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring effective governance not only in Pakistan but also in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Since the party in power in Pakistan has a significant impact on the creation of a new government in AJ & K. Respect for the constitution is critical in this issue because it emphasizes the necessity of regional autonomy in correcting regional imbalances.
As
Pakistan commemorates Kashmir Day during the general elections, it serves as a
powerful reminder of the country's unwavering dedication to peaceful conflict
resolution and upholding the rights of Kashmiris to self-determination. The
newly elected government must make it a top priority to seek a peaceful
resolution to the Kashmir conflict while staying true to the principles
outlined in the Constitution. By doing so, we can strengthen our democratic
system based on the tenets of the Constitution while also addressing issues and
promoting national unity.
Beyond a mere symbolic
gesture, marking Kashmir Day is an attempt to draw the attention of the
international community towards the ongoing conflict in the region and its
ramifications for peace-building efforts on conflict resolution under UN
resolutions vis-à-vis demands by Kashmiri people. It is also a day when
Pakistanis express solidarity with their brothers and sisters from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir with particular emphasis on the plight of Indian
army brutalities upon them besides holding them captive for so long. In
addition, it brings out awareness of human rights abuses committed by the Indian
police force during the last 70 years, which include extrajudicial killings or rape
against women in places, where lives both young ones including old ones are at
stake. The day reflects as a reminder to the international community regarding
continuous violence in this region calling for urgent need of peace in the
region
Pakistani citizens
should vote for candidates who are sincerely committed to resolving the Kashmir
issue and who recognize the plight and sacrifices of their Kashmiri brothers
and sisters. Kashmiri blood is not so low that it should go unchecked. They
deserve peace and development in the region, hence all sides of Kashmir,
whether Indian or Pakistani, must exercise caution while choosing and bringing
leaders to power. Whoever takes power after the Pakistani general elections
will face a series of challenges, ranging from an economic downturn to a
security crisis, from hostile to friendly cum unfriendly neighbors,
growing inflation, and unpredictable politics.
The person who comes will be responsible for protecting Pakistan's
interests on all diplomatic fronts, from the Kashmir issue to countries
conspiring against it, bringing stability to the country putting an end to
revenge politics, and focusing on Pakistan's interests and the welfare of its
people.
The writer is a student of Peace and Conflict Studies at the National Defense University, Islamabad, and is currently serving as an intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations.