Kashmir Day is a Public Holiday in Pakistan since 1990. It is observed on February 5 each year. Kashmir has always been the core issue of Pakistan-India conflict that lead to 3 wars in the history of the two countries.
At the time of partition Kashmir was part of Pakistan territory but Indian army took over the part which is now called Maaqbuza Kashmir.
This made the Kashmiri population hostile and as a result they started an armed struggle. Since 1947 Kashmirs have suffered brutality at the hands of Indian and Pakistani soldiers and have lost millions of innocent lives.
Kashmir Day was observed for the first time in 1990 on an appeal for a country wide strike by the Chief Minister Punjab Nawaz Sharif. Kashmir day has been observed since then to protest against the Indian occupation of part of Kashmir known as Maqbuza Kashmir. The public holiday of Kashmir Day is an attempt by Pakistani people to provide sympathetic and political support to Kashmiris who have been struggling for their freedom since 1947.
Kashmir Day in recognized and observed worldwide, predominantly by people belonging Kashmir. Special prayers in Mosques for the struggling population of Kashmir and the martyrs are conducted throughout Pakistan and Azad Kashmir on Kashmir Day. The number of rallies, conferences and seminars that are organized by political and religious organizations on Kashmir Day highlights the political importance of this Public holiday.
Enthusiast can also be seen in rallies chanting slogans to promote solidarity and emphasizing the struggle of Kashmiris. Cultural programs and festivals are often organized by schools and community centers to promote Kashmiri culture and to make people aware of the importance of Kashmir Day.
The horrors in the lives of Kashmiris are unimaginable by us living in safer parts of the world. Like every other nation, Kashmiris need peace too. Hence Kashmir Day is observed every year to tell the world outside that Pakistan and Pakistanis feel the sufferings of Kashmiris. This internationally recognized day is observed to support the Kashmiris and to plead the world to help the India and Pakistan to resolve the issue.
