Kashmir Solidarity Day: A Call for Justice Amid India’s Non-Compliance

Kashmir Solidarity Day: A Call for Justice Amid India’s Non-Compliance


Every year, February 5th is marked as Kashmir Solidarity Day in Pakistan. It reflects the Pakistan’s firm support for the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This day highlights the plight of Kashmiris and draws attention to their decades-long struggle for self-determination. The day was proposed in the late 1980s, a time of heightened violence in IIOJK. Indian forces intensified their oppression, with widespread reports of extrajudicial killings, rapes and illegal detentions. Pakistan recognized the need to raise global awareness about these atrocities. Qazi Hussain Ahmad of Jamaat-e-Islami advocated the idea of marking the day as the Kashmir solidarity day in 1990. Since then, it has been observed through rallies, seminars and speeches in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).


By Areesha Naeem

The Kashmir conflict is rooted in international law and several United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. These resolutions emphasize the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir. Key among these is UNSCR 47, which calls for a plebiscite to decide Kashmir’s future. It requires both India and Pakistan to withdraw troops and appoint a UN administrator to oversee the process. UNSCR 39 created a commission to investigate and mediate the Kashmir conflict. UNSCR 80 reiterates that the region’s final status must reflect the will of its people. These resolutions underline the importance of a peaceful settlement. However, India’s actions have repeatedly violated these international commitments.


India has consistently ignored UNSC resolutions on Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, was a blatant violation of international law. This unilateral move stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomy and brought the region under direct control of the Indian government. Since then, the region has been subjected to severe repression. Draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been used to detain individuals without trial. These laws are widely condemned for their vague definitions, which allow authorities to label individuals as “terrorists” without credible evidence.


Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and the United Nations have criticized these measures. Reports of night raids, mass arrests and torture have become routine. The use of pellet guns by Indian forces has blinded and maimed thousands, including children. The global community has largely failed to address the Kashmir issue. Major powers often prioritize their strategic interests over human rights concerns. The United States, for example, has deepened its partnership with India, sidelining the Kashmir conflict. International organizations, including the United Nations, have struggled to enforce their resolutions. Without mechanisms to hold India accountable, these resolutions remain ineffective. The lack of a neutral mediator has further exacerbated tensions, leaving the Kashmiri people trapped in a cycle of violence and oppression.


Pakistan has consistently supported the Kashmir cause on diplomatic and humanitarian fronts. It has raised the issue at international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly. Pakistan has also highlighted the human rights abuses in IIOJK, providing evidence of Indian atrocities. Kashmir Solidarity Day is a powerful reminder of Pakistan’s commitment. It is a call to action for the global community to uphold justice and ensure the rights of the Kashmiri people.


Resolving the Kashmir issue requires a clear and practical approach. The first step is for India and Pakistan to resume meaningful dialogue, as the current deadlock has only worsened tensions since the revocation of Article 370. Open communication is vital to rebuild trust and address the core issues. At the same time, it is crucial to restore maximum autonomy to the region under both countries' control. Empowering local governance will give the Kashmiri people a voice in their future and ensure their needs and concerns are addressed.


Human rights violations in Kashmir cannot be ignored. Independent investigations must uncover the truth about abuses and international monitors must be granted access to hold those responsible accountable. To ensure fairness in resolving the conflict, a neutral mediator is essential. An unbiased party can create an atmosphere of trust and guide all sides toward a balanced solution. Finally, the international community must step forward to raise awareness and take action. Global powers, human rights organizations and civil society must work together to highlight the Kashmir issue and push for the implementation of United Nations resolutions. These steps can help build a foundation for lasting peace and justice in the region.


Kashmir Solidarity Day is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to justice and the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. India’s actions in IIOJK have violated international laws and human rights. The global community must step forward to hold India accountable. Justice for Kashmir is not just a regional issue; it is a matter of global conscience. Only through dialogue, accountability and respect for international law can the dream of peace and justice for the Kashmiri people become a reality. On February 5th, Pakistan and its people remind the world that Kashmir’s struggle is far from over.


The writer is the student of International Relations at International Islamic University, Islamabad and currently serving as an intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, Islamabad.

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