KARACHI: Kashmir Day was observed across the city on Thursday with rallies, seminars, exhibitions and official statements, reaffirming the country’s longstanding support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their right to self-determination under United Nations resolutions.

Political leaders, government officials, civil society organisations and citizens from all walks of life participated in events to highlight alleged human rights violations in the disputed territory and to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah led a rally taken out from Peoples Chowrangi to the mausoleum of the Quaid-i-Azam Mohamamd Ali Jinnah. Members of the provincial cabinet also participated in the rally.

Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Inspector General of Police Javed Odho, all provincial secretaries, civil society members and others were also in attendance.

Govt, political parties and civil society reaffirm support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination

Addressing the media and participants, the chief minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic backing for the people of IIOJK.

“Today, we clearly convey to the world that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people,” he said, adding that February 5 serves as a global reminder of their sacrifices and Pakistan’s firm commitment to their struggle.

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori also addressed a ceremony at the Governor House, stating that the Kashmir issue represented a collective national stance.

Referring to the Quaid-i-Azam’s vision, he said no compromise was possible on Kashmir. He alleged continued human rights violations, demographic changes and media restrictions in IOJK, adding that international opinion was gradually shifting against India’s narrative.

Meanwhile, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, in a statement, paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs and said Feb 5 symbolised Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

He accused India of violating international human rights norms and warned that such policies threatened regional peace and stability. Calling on the international community to act, he urged global organisations to play an effective role in ensuring the implementation of UN resolutions.

Photo exhibition at Arts Council

Arts Council Pakistan Karachi organised a photo exhibition at Haseena Moin Hall, showcasing photographs depicting alleged human rights abuses in Indian occupied Kashmir.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab alongside Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah.

Addressing the gathering, the mayor said Pakistan stood firmly with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters and stressed that the right to self-determination was guaranteed under UN resolutions.

He criticised the policies of the Indian government and called for continued efforts to counter what he termed negative propaganda.

Ahmed Shah said Kashmir remained a lifeline for Pakistan and noted that the issue, along with Palestine, was gaining increased international attention. The exhibition was attended by several political and social figures, including representatives of major political parties.

Rallies held across city

The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Karachi organised a large Kashmir Solidarity Rally from Jail Chowrangi to Mazar-i-Quaid.

The march was led by JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar, while JI senior leader Ameer-ul-Azeem delivered the presidential address. Thousands of participants from different segments of society joined the rally, chanting slogans in support of Kashmiris.

In his address, Mr Azeem criticised Pakistan’s leadership for what he described as a lack of effective action on the Kashmir issue, despite developments in the region over recent years.

He reiterated that UN resolutions granted Kashmiris the right to self-determination and highlighted the continued resistance of the Kashmiri people despite decades of conflict and repression.

Other JI leaders, including Mr Zafar and Saifuddin Advocate, stressed the need for stronger diplomatic efforts and greater international advocacy for Kashmir.Another rally was also organised by the Ibrahim Hyderi Town Municipal Corporation under Chairman Nazir Ahmed Bhutto.

The rally marched from Razzaqabad to the town office, with participants carrying banners and placards and chanting pro-Kashmir slogans.

Addressing the rally, the town chairman called on international institutions to take notice of alleged Indian atrocities and to support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The rally concluded with special prayers for Kashmiri martyrs.

The Dow University of Health Sciences also organised a rally and speech competitions to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir on Kashmir Day.

Speakers described Kashmir as a humanitarian issue during the competitions.

Led by the principal of Dow International Medical College, Dr Uzma Bukhari, the rally started from the college main gate, passed through Dow Cancer Care Center, and concluded at the main cafeteria.

A large number of faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students participated.

The National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) South Zone also observed Kashmir Solidarity Day with great enthusiasm, national spirit and strong commitment to express unwavering support for the people of Kashmir.Sharjeel Inam Memon, in a statement, paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs and said Feb 5 symbolised Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

He accused India of violating international human rights norms and warned that such policies threatened regional peace and stability. Calling on the international community to act, he urged global organisations to play an effective role in ensuring the implementation of UN resolutions.

Photo exhibition at Arts Council

Arts Council Pakistan Karachi organised a photo exhibition at Haseena Moin Hall, showcasing photographs depicting alleged human rights abuses in Indian occupied Kashmir.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab alongside Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah.

Addressing the gathering, the mayor said Pakistan stood firmly with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters and stressed that the right to self-determination was guaranteed under UN resolutions.

He criticised the policies of the Indian government and called for continued efforts to counter what he termed negative propaganda.

Ahmed Shah said Kashmir remained a lifeline for Pakistan and noted that the issue, along with Palestine, was gaining increased international attention. The exhibition was attended by several political and social figures, including representatives of major political parties.

Rallies held across city

The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Karachi organised a large Kashmir Solidarity Rally from Jail Chowrangi to Mazar-i-Quaid.

The march was led by JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar, while JI senior leader Ameer-ul-Azeem delivered the presidential address. Thousands of participants from different segments of society joined the rally, chanting slogans in support of Kashmiris.

In his address, Mr Azeem criticised Pakistan’s leadership for what he described as a lack of effective action on the Kashmir issue, despite developments in the region over recent years.

He reiterated that UN resolutions granted Kashmiris the right to self-determination and highlighted the continued resistance of the Kashmiri people despite decades of conflict and repression.

Other JI leaders, including Mr Zafar and Saifuddin Advocate, stressed the need for stronger diplomatic efforts and greater international advocacy for Kashmir.Another rally was also organised by the Ibrahim Hyderi Town Municipal Corporation under Chairman Nazir Ahmed Bhutto.

The rally marched from Razzaqabad to the town office, with participants carrying banners and placards and chanting pro-Kashmir slogans.

Addressing the rally, the town chairman called on international institutions to take notice of alleged Indian atrocities and to support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The rally concluded with special prayers for Kashmiri martyrs.

The Dow University of Health Sciences also organised a rally and speech competitions to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir on Kashmir Day.

Speakers described Kashmir as a humanitarian issue during the competitions.

The rally started from the college main gate, passed through Dow Cancer Care Center, and concluded at the main cafeteria. A large number of faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students participated.

Also, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan held a programme at its temporary headquarters in Bahadurabad to mark Kashmir Day. Senior leaders Dr Farooq Sattar and Nasreen Jalil spoke.

The National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) South Zone also observed Kashmir Solidarity Day with great enthusiasm, national spirit and strong commitment to express unwavering support for the people of Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2026