Kashmir Solidarity Day

For the ongoing conflict, see Kashmir conflict.

Kashmir Solidarity Day
Banner raised for Kashmir Solidarity Day in Islamabad
Observed byPakistan
Date5 February
Next time5 February 2025 (2025-02-05)
FrequencyAnnual
First time1990
Started byJamaat-e-Islami Pakistan
Related toKashmir conflict

Kashmir Solidarity Day (Urdu: یوم یکجہتی کشمیر) or Kashmir 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.[1][2] Solidarity rallies are held in the Pakistani-administered territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir,[3] Pakistan and by Mirpuri Kashmiris in the United Kingdom.

Kashmir Day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad of the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan in 1990,[4] and supported by Nawaz Sharif.[5] The current commemoration was started by the Pakistani minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas in 2004.[6]

  1. ^ "Pakistan to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day today". The Hindu. 5 February 2007. Archived from the original on 1 October 2008.
  2. ^ "Kashmir Day being observed today". The News International. 5 February 2008.
  3. ^ "Pakistan expresses 'unshakable' support for Kashmiris on Solidarity Day". Dawn. 5 February 2021.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference The News 2018 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Henne was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ What does Kashmir Solidarity Day mean?, The News International, 5 February 2017