Kashmir Solidarity a Historic Bond before the Division of Subcontinent (1947)
The 5th of February is observed annually as Kashmir Solidarity Day, showing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to support the Kashmiri people in their struggle for justice and the right to self-determination. The historical relationship between Kashmir and Pakistan, however, predates the partition of the subcontinent. The people of Pakistan and Kashmir played a significant role in the Pakistan freedom movement. Kashmiri political leaders, activists, and scholars recognized the impossibility of peaceful coexistence between Hindus and Muslims in a united India, thereby affirming the necessity of Pakistan’s creation.
The first expression of solidarity with Kashmir was observed in 1931 following the tragic events of July 13, 1931, when Maharaja Hari Singh’s forces killed 22 Kashmiri Muslims while they completed the Azaan. This day was later commemorated as Kashmir Martyrs’ Day and marked a pivotal moment in Kashmir’s history. In response, the national poet of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, established the Kashmir Committee in Lahore and presided over its first meeting on August 14, 1931. During this gathering, Iqbal led slogans advocating for Kashmir’s freedom and pledged support for the cause.
The enduring connection between Pakistan and Kashmir has been shaped by the sacrifices of countless martyrs who gave their lives to strengthen this bond. The shared struggle for independence and justice continues to define the resolute determination of people on both sides of the divide.
India’s Violation of 3rd June 1947 Plan and Pakistan’s Support for Kashmir
The roots of the Kashmir dispute trace back to the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, when India violated the 3rd June 1947 plan. In response, Pakistan condemned this act and supported the Kashmiri people for their independence, the newly formed Pakistan continued to support the Kashmiris, despite major hurdles. The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with the help of tribesmen on October 24, 1947, liberated the part which is known as AJK. AJK was also established as a base camp to liberate the IIOJK, and Pakistan recognized it as the Azad state, since that day, Pakistan has supported Kashmir on all national and international forums in its quest for justice.
Pakistan Officially Formalize Relations with AJK through the Karachi Agreement 1949
The first and most important agreement known as the Karachi Agreement was signed on 28 April 1949 at Karachi between the Govt of AJ&K and Pakistan. It was to legally recognize Pakistan’s relationship with Kashmir. This Agreement highlights the responsibilities and relationship of Pakistan and AJK, it also solidifies Pakistan’s commitment to resolving and internationalizing the Kashmir issue and identifies it as a base camp to liberate the occupied part of the state. Pakistan undertook responsibilities, vowing to raise its voice on both national and international forums to address the long-standing dispute. Over the years, Pakistan has explored diplomatic channels, sparing no effort to alleviate the suffering of the Kashmiri people and provide them the opportunity to determine their future peacefully.
Pakistan’s Continued Advocacy for Kashmir at the United Nations
When India brought the issue of Kashmir to the United Nations on January 1, 1948, the United Nations issued a resolution recognizing Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. Pakistan has continued to advocate for Kashmir’s right to self-determination at both the national and international levels. Despite India’s denial of all agreements and UN resolutions, Pakistan continues to provide support for the Kashmiri people. During these years, Pakistan has advocated the implementation of UNSC resolutions on various national and international platforms, such as UN General Assembly sessions. The Diaspora of Pakistan and Kashmir also works to highlight the Kashmir cause through multiple forums like Jammu and Kashmir Self Determination Movement International (JKSDMI).
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Response to India’s Unilateral Act Revocation of Article 370 and 35A
On 5 August 2019, when India unilaterally changed the special status of IIOJK by revoking Articles 370 and 35A, from the Indian constitution, Pakistan in solidarity with Kashmiris, not only condemned India’s unilateral act to change the demography of the Indian Illegally occupied Jammu but also took certain evident tangible steps.
Pakistan’s National Security Committee decided to downgrade diplomatic relations with India, and the Pakistan High Commissioner to India was sent back while the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan was dismissed. Train services such as the Samjhauta Express and Thar Express were also stopped. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided not to allow the screening of Indian films and dramas within Pakistan. Pakistan also officially suspended a significant part of its trade links with India, banning all exports and imports to and from India.
Pakistan’s Response to the 2023 Indian Supreme Court Verdict of Article 370
In 2023, the Supreme Court of India, in a political move, upheld the Indian illegal move of 2019 of revoking Kashmir’s special status, which Pakistan also condemned. In response to the decision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated “Pakistan categorically rejects the judgment announced by the Supreme Court of India on the status of IIOJK. India’s unilateral and illegal measures since 5 August 2019 have been aimed at changing the demographic structure and political landscape of the IIOJK, in flagrant violation of international law and the relevant UNSC Resolutions, especially Resolution 122 (1957). They remain a matter of grave concern for Pakistan as their ultimate goal is to convert the Kashmiris into an empowered community in their land. These measures must be rescinded to create an environment for peace and dialogue.”
Pakistan has used all the available means to project the Kashmir issue internationally and severed its diplomatic ties with India in solidarity with the Kashmiri people and in recognition of its position as a party to the dispute. However, India aims to unilaterally yet illegally decide the future of Kashmir which is not acceptable to the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
India’s Propaganda and Pakistan’s Support to AJK
India has consistently sought to exploit any opportunity to undermine the strong bond between Kashmir and Pakistan. Whenever protests arise in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), whether related to electricity, water, or wheat, Indian media deliberately misrepresents them as signs of discontent against Pakistan. This propaganda, however, is far removed from reality. Unlike a province, AJK enjoys a special status, yet Pakistan extends exceptional support, treating it with priority even beyond its provinces. Even Indian media, through its propaganda, disseminates wrong information. Pakistan has outlined the relationship between Kashmiris and Pakistan in its constitution under Article 257: When the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir decide to accede to Pakistan in accordance with the wishes of the people, expressed through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations, the relations between the State of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan shall be determined according to the wishes of the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.”
This Indian propaganda regarding AJK will not be successful, as the people on this side are fully aware of the circumstances of their relatives and people living in IIOJK.
Pakistan’s Economic and Social support for AJK
A recent civil protest in AJK regarding essential commodities led to a swift and supportive response from the Pakistani government. In solidarity with the people of AJK, Pakistan provided substantial subsidies on electricity, wheat, and water. A comparison with Pakistan’s provinces further shows this support. For instance, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), which produces approximately 30,000 MW of electricity, receives electricity at Rs. 23.59 per unit for the first 100 units and Rs. 30.07 per unit for the next 100 units. In contrast, AJK, despite producing 2,362.820 MW, benefits from a much lower tariff—Rs. 3 per unit for the first 100 units and Rs. 5 per unit for the next 200 units—demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to easing the financial burden on AJK’s residents.
Similarly, Pakistan’s largest wheat-producing province, Punjab, accounts for nearly 75% of the country’s total wheat production, where wheat prices range between Rs. 140 to Rs. 170 per kg. Meanwhile, in AJK, the same wheat is available at a highly subsidized rate of Rs. 50 to Rs. 90 per kg, reflecting Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to food security in the region.
Financially, Pakistan remains the backbone of AJK’s development and stability. Out of AJK’s total budget of Rs. 264.033 billion for 2024-2025, the AJK government’s revenue collection stands at Rs. 95.170 billion only 47% of the total. The bulk of the deficit is directly compensated by the government of Pakistan, which contributes Rs. 105 billion 52% of the total budget along with an additional Rs. 1 billion in water usage charges. Furthermore, the government of Pakistan recently allocated an additional Rs 23 billion in special funds to support AJK.
Through financial aid, subsidies, and prioritization of essential resources, Pakistan continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of AJK, ensuring their prosperity and stability. Due to Pakistan’s continued developmental efforts, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) boasts a significantly higher Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.781, compared to 0.720 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and 0.644 for India overall. This disparity reflects Pakistan’s commitment to infrastructure, education, and overall well-being in AJK. A key indicator of this development is road density, where AJK again surpasses IIOJK, with 0.78 km per square kilometer, in contrast to 0.1214 km per square kilometer in IIOJK. The superior infrastructure and human development in AJK highlight the tangible benefits of Pakistan’s governance, ensuring better connectivity, economic opportunities, and quality of life for its people.
Conclusion
The connection between the two regions is not merely historical but continues to thrive as a symbol of resilience and shared identity. As Pakistan continues to advocate for Kashmir’s freedom from Indian occupation on global platforms, the unity between Kashmir and Pakistan stands as a testament to their enduring solidarity in the pursuit of justice and self-determination.
In a nutshell, Kashmir Solidarity Day is more than a mere symbolic gesture; it is a solemn commitment to justice, a testament to Pakistan’s enduring support for the Kashmir cause. In the face of the complex challenges posed by the Kashmir dispute, the international community must acknowledge the human rights violations occurring in the region and work for a peaceful resolution.
Authors
Saba Ghulam Nabi, Research Officer at Center for International Strategic Studies AJK
Abdul Rehman, Research Officer at Center for International Strategic Studies AJK
