Solidarity Day: Kashmir, Pak — one soul, two bodies

2026-02-04 - 23:26

KASHMIR Solidarity Day is not merely a ceremonial observance in Pakistan’s national calendar; it is a reaffirmation of a living commitment that dates back to the very birth of the state. Observed on February 5, 2026, this day reminds the nation and the world that Kashmir is not a forgotten dispute, nor a negotiable footnote of history, but a central pillar of Pakistan’s ideological identity, national security and moral responsibility. Despite shifting global priorities and regional power politics, Pakistan’s resolve on Kashmir remains firm, clear and unwavering. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s declaration that “Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan” was not rhetorical passion but strategic foresight. Rooted in the principles of the June 3, 1947 Partition Plan, the Muslim-majority character of the state, geographical contiguity, shared water resources and deep cultural bonds, Kashmir’s natural affiliation with Pakistan was self-evident. For the founder of Pakistan, Kashmir was not simply a territorial question; it was intrinsically linked to Pakistan’s survival, security and ideological coherence. That vision continues to guide Pakistan’s state policy to this day. This historical clarity was formally expressed on July 19, 1947, when the General Council of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference passed a resolution in favour of accession to Pakistan—well before Pakistan came into existence. This decision reflected the political consciousness and collective will of the Kashmiri people and stands as the Magna Carta of their freedom struggle. It conveyed a simple yet powerful truth: Kashmir’s future must be decided by its people, not imposed through force or manipulation. The internationalization of the Kashmir dispute through the United Nations Security Council Resolution of January 5, 1949 further validated this position by recognizing the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Pakistan has consistently upheld these resolutions as the only legitimate basis for resolving the dispute. Unlike expansionist doctrines or coercive strategies, Pakistan’s stance rests on international law, moral legitimacy and justice. This principled consistency distinguishes Pakistan’s approach and underscores that Kashmir is not a matter of opportunism but of enduring ethical commitment. The establishment of the Azad Government of Jammu and Kashmir on October 24, 1947 was a practical manifestation of Kashmiri resistance and political agency. Pakistan’s recognition and support of this government, along with sustained development, institution-building and constitutional arrangements, demonstrate that Kashmiris are treated not as outsiders but as an integral part of Pakistan’s national fabric. Similarly, the political representation and legal recognition extended to Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled in Pakistan reaffirm that Kashmir is a lived national responsibility, not a distant cause. India’s unilateral revocation of the special status of India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019 marked a grave violation of UN resolutions, bilateral agreements and international law. Since then, the region has witnessed an alarming deterioration in human rights—extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, prolonged military lockdowns, media blackouts and systematic demographic engineering. These measures reflect an attempt to silence a nation through repression. Yet history bears witness that no amount of force can extinguish a people’s aspiration for freedom and the Kashmiri resolve remains unbroken. Pakistan has persistently raised the Kashmir issue on every major international platform, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and global human rights forums, presenting documented evidence of abuses and violations. This diplomatic struggle transcends governments and political cycles; it is embedded in Pakistan’s permanent national policy. Despite internal political differences, the nation, its institutions and successive leaderships have remained united on Kashmir—an expression of rare and vital national consensus. Following Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos in May 2025, Pakistan demonstrated not only its defensive strength and professional military competence but also strategic restraint and diplomatic maturity. The international community acknowledged Pakistan’s responsible conduct and its commitment to regional stability. This episode reinforced Pakistan’s credibility as a peace-seeking yet resolute state and exposed the Kashmir dispute as the core source of instability in South Asia, not Pakistan’s defensive posture. In the evolving global environment, Pakistan must now move beyond symbolic gestures and adopt a comprehensive, modern strategy for advancing the Kashmir cause—integrating diplomacy, defense, legal advocacy, media engagement and digital narrative-building. Moral clarity alone is not sufficient; it must be supported by strategic coherence and sustained international engagement. Under the leadership of the military high command, particularly Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s defense preparedness remains robust, disciplined and deterrence-oriented. This strength reinforces diplomatic leverage as global actors engage seriously only with states capable of securing their sovereignty. Military confidence, when coupled with restraint, lends Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative both moral authority and practical weight. Equally crucial is the harmony between political and military leadership. The coordinated efforts of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar complement the military’s defensive posture. This unity sends a clear signal internationally: Pakistan’s position on Kashmir is unambiguous, united and unwavering. Ultimately, the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir transcends borders and politics. It is ideological, civilizational and rooted in shared faith and history—aptly described as one soul, two bodies. Kashmir Solidarity Day thus becomes more than a date; it is a renewal of national resolve. February 5, 2026 reminds us that justice may be delayed but cannot be denied. Until the Kashmiri people freely determine their future, Pakistan will continue to stand with them—politically, diplomatically and defensively. This is not policy alone; it is Pakistan’s covenant, identity and enduring national duty. —The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad (khaliqwasi786@gmail.com)