Army Chief Demonstrates Strong Commitment to Kashmir Cause

(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)

All Pakistani political leaders have shown steadfast commitment to the Kashmir cause. From Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to the current leadership under Shahbaz Sharif, the unwavering love and support for Kashmir reflect Pakistan’s dedication to the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Through various means—whether diplomatic efforts, international forums, or public speeches—Pakistan’s leadership has consistently advocated for Kashmir’s cause. The sacrifices, support, and deep affection for Kashmir have become an integral part of Pakistan’s identity, representing solidarity with a region that shares cultural, religious, and historical bonds with Pakistan. The leaders of Pakistan have always viewed Kashmir as a cause worth fighting for, and their deep love and commitment to the Kashmiri people remain a driving force in the ongoing struggle for justice and peace. For Pakistan, Kashmir is not merely a territorial issue, but a matter of profound national significance, deeply rooted in emotional, cultural, and religious ties to the region. Over the years, the Pakistan Army has played a vital role in supporting the Kashmir cause, standing as a guardian of the Kashmiri people’s aspirations for self-determination. The sacrifices, courage, and dedication of the Pakistan Army in Kashmir serve as a testament to its unwavering commitment to the region.

Following the 1947 partition of British India, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir became the focal point of conflict between India and Pakistan. Despite the region’s Muslim-majority population, the Maharaja of Kashmir chose to accede to India, sparking a fierce war. Motivated by the desire to support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, Pakistan mobilized its military forces to assist the local population in resisting Indian forces. While initially not directly involved, Pakistan recognized the strategic importance of Kashmir, and volunteers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including tribal forces, joined the struggle. The Pakistani government soon deployed the Pakistan Army to aid the Kashmiris, engaging in combat operations to secure parts of the region. Though Pakistani forces achieved initial successes, the war ended with a UN-mediated ceasefire in 1948. Pakistan secured control over Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the Gilgit-Baltistan region, but the larger issue of Kashmir’s final status remained unresolved. The sacrifices of the Pakistan Army during this first conflict, with thousands of soldiers either losing their lives or being wounded, set the foundation for Pakistan’s continued involvement in Kashmir.

In 1965, tensions between India and Pakistan flared again over Kashmir, resulting in a full-scale war. The Pakistan Army, despite being outnumbered and outgunned by the Indian military, demonstrated remarkable courage and strategic brilliance in defending Pakistan’s borders and the Kashmiri population. Pakistan’s military strategy during the 1965 conflict involved Operation Gibraltar, which aimed to infiltrate Indian-administered Kashmir and support local freedom fighters. The Pakistan Army worked alongside Kashmiri freedom fighters, engaging Indian forces and pushing towards Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, with the goal of liberating Kashmir and allowing its people to determine their own future. The Pakistan Army’s notable contributions during this war included fierce defenses against Indian attacks, including the Battle of Lahore and the Battle of Sialkot. Pakistani forces held their ground, inflicting significant losses on the Indian military. Air operations, ground offensives, and coordinated attacks displayed the resilience and bravery of the Pakistan Army in the face of overwhelming odds. Though the war ended in a UN-mandated ceasefire, it reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmir cause, with the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in 1965 marking a significant chapter in this ongoing struggle.

The Kargil conflict of 1999 added another crucial chapter to Pakistan’s military history in relation to Kashmir. In this conflict, which took place in the Kargil district of Indian-occupied Kashmir, Pakistani soldiers, along with Kashmiri freedom fighters, infiltrated the area to secure strategic positions along the Line of Control (LoC). The Kargil conflict is remembered for the immense courage and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, which fought valiantly in challenging terrain, often at high altitudes. The Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) and other elite units played a vital role in securing mountain posts and engaging Indian forces in intense combat. Despite limited resources and the difficult terrain, Pakistan’s military exhibited extraordinary skill and perseverance. While the conflict ultimately escalated into a full military engagement, international pressure led to a ceasefire. Although the war did not result in a decisive victory for either side, the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers during the Kargil conflict remain unforgettable, marking yet another significant chapter in the struggle for Kashmir. Hundreds of soldiers sacrificed their lives, and many more were injured in one of the most intense and brutal conflicts over Kashmir. In the aftermath of the Kargil conflict, Pakistan’s military leadership and government reaffirmed their commitment to Kashmir, stressing that the region’s final status must be determined in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The Line of Control (LoC), which separates IIOJK and AJK, remains one of the most heavily militarized borders globally. The Pakistan Army continues to play a vital role in defending the region from Indian military incursions and artillery fire. Pakistani soldiers continue to make the ultimate sacrifice in skirmishes along the LoC, defending the territorial integrity of Azad Kashmir and the Gilgit-Baltistan region, while also providing moral and logistical support to the Kashmiri people. The Pakistan Army is actively engaged in ensuring the security of those living in AJK. Their presence not only safeguards against Indian provocations but also contributes to disaster relief, infrastructure development, and humanitarian aid for the local population.

The people of AJK enjoy full independence to live and work freely throughout Pakistan. The law and order situation in AJK is commendable, and residents have access to all rights. In contrast, since 1947, Indian security forces have faced allegations of committing widespread human rights abuses against the population of IIOJK, especially after the freedom movement intensified in the late 1980s. The Indian government has been repeatedly criticized for its heavy-handed tactics, with numerous reports from human rights organizations detailing the abuses committed by Indian military and paramilitary forces in the region.

The bond between the people of Pakistan and Kashmir is mutual, with both nations expressing love and solidarity. This commitment has been consistently demonstrated by Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. During a recent visit to Muzaffarabad on Kashmir Solidarity Day, the Pakistani Army Chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong dedication to the Kashmir cause, declaring that Kashmir is the “jugular vein” of Pakistan and that no one can separate it. He emphasized that Pakistan has fought three wars for Kashmir and would be ready to fight ten more if necessary. Kashmiris deeply appreciate Pakistan’s ongoing commitment and support, urging the global community to pressure India to cease human rights violations and atrocities, and to grant them the right to self-determination.