MAKING EVERY DAY KASHMIR DAY: A NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

MAKING EVERY DAY KASHMIR DAY: A NATIONAL  RESPONSIBILITY

February 5th, observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day, is an annual reminder of Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination. Over the years, this day has carried immense symbolic value, bringing attention to the plight of Kashmiris under Indian occupation and asserting Pakistan’s moral, political, and diplomatic support for their cause.

 

By Aftab Ahmed

For over seven decades, the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have endured oppression under one of the most brutal and militarized regimes in modern history. The Kashmiri people’s cry for freedom resonates deeply in Pakistan, which shares not only geographical proximity with the region but also cultural, historical, and religious bonds. While this day has traditionally been a platform for voicing support for the Kashmiri cause, it is time to rethink its role and transform it into a cornerstone of year-round, actionable advocacy, keeping Kashmir at the center of Pakistan’s domestic and international efforts.

 

Our current approach, which often involves public holidays and ceremonial activities, falls short of creating the lasting impact needed to sustain global attention or foster a sense of ownership among Pakistanis. A day off may give an illusion of solidarity, but it does little to engage the public meaningfully with the issue. Instead, we need to reimagine February 5th as a starting point for year-round action. Imagine a day that not only highlights the injustices faced by Kashmiris but also galvanizes the entire nation into consistent, practical advocacy for their cause.

 

The government must begin by embedding the Kashmir narrative into the fabric of our educational and cultural systems. Rather than simply closing schools on February 5th, we should dedicate this day to hosting programs that educate students about the history, culture, and ongoing challenges of Kashmir. Schools and colleges can organize activities like debates, storytelling sessions, and exhibitions that instill in young minds a deep understanding of the issue. The youth must grow up with a sense of responsibility toward this struggle, recognizing Kashmir not as a distant political problem but as a personal and national cause.

 

Beyond education, February 5th should become a launchpad for nationwide campaigns that continue throughout the year. Social media, one of the most powerful tools of the modern age, can be used to keep Kashmir at the forefront of global discussions. The government, civil society, and individuals should collaborate on producing content that highlights the Kashmiri struggle, from personal stories of resilience to artistic expressions of loss and hope. Instead of letting Kashmir fade from public consciousness after February 5th, we must make it an everyday narrative through innovative campaigns that reach both domestic and international audiences.

 

Another critical dimension is our engagement with the international community. February 5th should not be limited to speeches and rallies within Pakistan; it should be a day when Pakistani embassies around the world work tirelessly to amplify Kashmiri voices. This effort must not stop at one-day events. Throughout the year, diplomatic missions should organize seminars, publish reports, and engage with foreign governments and media to sustain momentum. The world needs to be reminded repeatedly of the urgent need for a resolution to the Kashmir issue, and Pakistan must be at the forefront of this effort.

 

To make Kashmir a consistent part of our collective consciousness, we also need to institutionalize initiatives that address the human aspect of the conflict. The government could establish permanent funds and programs aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to Kashmiris suffering under occupation or displacement. These programs, coupled with collaborations with international humanitarian organizations, would not only lend material support but also send a strong message to the world about Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its Kashmiri brethren.

 

The media, too, has a significant role to play. We must ensure that Kashmir is not relegated to the backburner of news cycles. Regular coverage of developments in the region, alongside human-interest stories that highlight the lives of ordinary Kashmiris, can keep the issue alive in public discourse. More documentaries, investigative reports, and artistic expressions should be encouraged, making it impossible for anyone in Pakistan or abroad to ignore the realities of life in Kashmir.

 

Reclaiming February 5th as a day of action rather than passive observation requires a shift in perspective. It requires us to view this day not as an endpoint but as the ignition of continuous advocacy, education, and support. The tragedy of Kashmir must live not just in government speeches or ceremonial events but in our daily lives, decisions, and actions.

 

If every Pakistani could wake up each morning with the resolve to contribute to the Kashmiri cause whether through education, advocacy, art, or humanitarian efforts the impact would be transformative. The world would see that Pakistan’s solidarity is not symbolic but deeply ingrained in its national ethos. And more importantly, the Kashmiri people would know they are not alone.

 

The author is a student of BS International Relations at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and an intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations.

 

Facebook Twitter

Related Detail