Every year on February 5, we celebrate Kashmir Solidarity Day across the country by holding rallies and seminars. These events reaffirm Pakistan’s long-standing support for Kashmir, but contemporary affairs invite a deeper reflection on what solidarity should actually mean in today’s complex global environment.
The territorial dispute of Kashmir is rooted in the partition of British India. The Princely States of Jammu and Kashmir did not immediately join India or Pakistan and decided to remain independent. Since then, both countries India and Pakistan claim the entire region but only control some part of it. The Kashmir issue has escalated between Pakistan and India. The recent development, abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, as reshaped the conflict.
Today Kashmir is struggling on multiple grounds; it is no longer a bilateral issue. Kashmiris are combating human rights exploitation, economic and political challenges, leadership crises and limited freedom of expression. A moment of reflection is needed for what would be the future ahead.
It has been decades since Kashmir has been bleeding. It’s high time to address, advocate and resolve this issue by the intervention of global bodies to facilitate genuine peacebuilding that prioritises the Kashmiri voice over regional power plays. A transition is required for sustainability and better future ahead otherwise, the tale of bleeding borders would continue.
Maria Imran
Karachi
