The Unfinished Struggle: Azad Kashmir’s 77th Foundation Day
By Raja Allah uddin Minhas: October 24th marks the 77th Foundation Day of Azad Kashmir, a testament to the sacrifices of our forefathers who liberated this piece of Kashmir in 1947. As we pay homage to our ancestors, we reaffirm our determination to continue the freedom struggle that began in 1947. The people of Kashmir have been suffering for decades, and their basic right to self-determination remains elusive.
The Indian Army’s occupation has brought immense pain and grief to Kashmiri families, who cannot even bury their loved ones with dignity. The United Nations and international community seem oblivious to their suffering, unable to comprehend the anguish of a Kashmiri sister who cannot mourn her brother’s death. The abrogation of Article 365 and 35A by the Modi government on August 5, 2019, further suppressed the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, igniting a renewed sense of resistance .
The struggle for freedom will persist, fueled by the sacrifices of millions of Kashmiris who have lost their lives. History bears witness to the fact that those who try to occupy Kashmir are ultimately destroyed. The people of Kashmir question the United Nations and international community, demanding recognition of their suffering and justice.
To achieve this, Pakistan must build a strong diplomatic narrative, highlighting the Kashmir issue and its solution according to UN resolutions. Our youth can play a vital role in social media, exposing India’s atrocities and mobilizing global support. The international community must take note of the abuses in Occupied Kashmir and work towards granting Kashmiris their basic right to self-determination.
In Azad Kashmir, we celebrate our freedom, but our struggle is far from over. We remember the bravery of our forefathers who fought against the Maharaja’s rule and the Indian Army’s occupation. The establishment of Azad Kashmir on October 24, 1947, was a significant milestone, but our ultimate goal remains the liberation of Occupied Kashmir.
As we move forward, we must harness our collective strength, leveraging social media and diplomatic channels to raise awareness about the Kashmir issue. The Pakistani government, civil society, and international community must unite to ensure the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination is respected. Only then can we truly celebrate freedom and justice for all Kashmiris.
The Azad Kashmir government has its own elected president, prime minister, legislative assembly, high court, and official flag, but its autonomy is limited in. Pakistan exercises control over the state without incorporating it into the country. The region receives significant rainfall and experiences extreme weather conditions, with snowfall common in December and January.
Despite these challenges, the people of Azad Kashmir remain resilient, committed to their struggle for freedom and self-determination. As we commemorate the 77th Foundation Day, we honor their sacrifices and reiterate our resolve to achieve justice and liberation for all Kashmiris
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