Kashmir Solidarity Day () is a national holiday observed in Pakistan on 5 February annually. It is observed to show Pakistan's support and unity with the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Kashmiri separatists' efforts to secede from the Indian Republic, and to pay homage to the Kashmiris who have died in the conflict. Solidarity rallies are held in the Pakistani-administered territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and by British Kashmiris in the United Kingdom.
Kashmir Solidarity Day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad of the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan in 1990, and supported by Nawaz Sharif. The current commemoration was started by the Pakistani minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas in 2004.What does Kashmir Solidarity Day mean?, The News International, 5 February 2017
History Kashmir Solidarity Day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad of the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan in 1990. In 1991, the then-Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif called for a "Kashmir Solidarity Day Strike". Sharif had come to power with the help of the Jamaat in the previous year, and the 1991 event was also a Jamaat affair.Information on Jamaat-i Islami or Jammat Islami, its activities, membership, policies, and connections to military groups, other sixes countries, terrorist groups, etc., Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, via UNHCR, 1 June 1991.
The current 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' was started by the Pakistani minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas in 2004.What does Kashmir Solidarity Day mean?, The News International, 5 February 2017
In 2021, the New York State Assembly passed a resolution calling on the Governor of New York to recognize the day as Kashmir American Day. According to the resolution, the day is meant to recognize New York's Kashmiri community and to "champion human rights including the freedom of religion".
In 2022, the Pakistani franchises of international companies such as Hyundai and Kia Motors, Suzuki Motors, Toyota, KFC and Pizza Hut issued advertisements in favour of Kashmiris 'right to freedom'. The Indian franchises of these companies apologised for the partisan nature of the acts and said that their parent company's brand names were used without authorisation.Gautam Mukherjee, Hijab hypocrisy: Seeking religious concessions for women in secular institutions, but keeping mum on access to mosques, Firstpost, 11 February 2022.Now, Kia, Dominos apologise on posts about Kashmir from Pak handles, 8 February 2022.India: Hindu groups force shut KFC, KIA stores over Kashmir tweet, Al Jazeera, 12 February 2022.
See also
All Parties Hurriyat Conference Human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir
Notes
References
External links
Nation to observe Kashmir Day today, Pakistan Today, 4 February 2015.