AJK celebrates 71st founding day

First revolutionary govt of Sardar Ibrahim was set up on this day

MUZAFFARABAD: The foundation day of Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) government was celebrated on Wednesday with zeal and national fervor.

This day is observed every year to mark the formation of the first revolutionary government set up under the leadership of ‘Ghazi-e- Millat’ Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan on this day 71 years ago.

AJK territory was liberated by the sons of the soil from the despotic Dogra rulers.

A public holiday was observed and a 21-gun salute was presented in the state capital. Special prayers were offered in mosques for the prosperity of Pakistan and early liberation of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

Special functions, flag hoisting and prayer ceremonies were held at all district headquarters of the state to mark the day. Special tributes were paid to the martyrs and heroes of the Kashmir liberation struggle.

The main event was held at Police Line Muzaffarabad and addressed by AJK President Sardar Masood Khan, Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Chief Secretary, members of the cabinet, members of AJK Legislative Assembly, Inspector General Police, high-ranking civil and military officials, notables and large number of people belonging to different walks of life.

Speaking as a chief guest on the occasion, President Sardar Masood Khan underlined the need for reviving the spirit of 1947’s freedom movement to take the ongoing liberation struggle in Indian Occupied Kashmir to its logical conclusion.

He reiterated that AJK was liberated by the sons of the soil after rendering tremendous sacrifices. The President emphasised that the struggle would continue till the liberation of the IOK from the Indian clutches.

Terming Oct 24 as an important milestone in the history of Kashmiri liberation struggle, President Masood said the "Ghazi-e- Millat" not only participated in the liberation struggle of Kashmir physically but also chaired the historic meeting that adopted the resolution of Kashmir's accession to Pakistan in 1947 at his Srinagar residence.

He also paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of Kashmir liberation struggle and expressed confidence that sacrifices laid down by Kashmiris will bear fruit soon and the day is not far off when people of Kashmir will succeed in their struggle.

"People and Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will relentlessly continue struggle for which the government in the base camp was established 71 years ago," the president vowed and urged the global community to take serious notice of Indian state terrorism in occupied territory to crush indigenous struggle of Kashmir people for their birth right.