RAWALPINDI: Kashmir solidarity day was observed in the garrison city, while various rallies and functions were held to express solidarity with the people in Indian held Kashmir, who have been denied their right to self-determination since 1947.

On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, a ceremony was organised by the District Administration Rawalpindi at Government Viqar-un-Nisa College for Women. Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema was the chief guest. Officials of the district administration, officers of various departments, teachers, social figures and students also attended the ceremony.

At the beginning of the ceremony, a minute’s silence was observed to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people. The Pakistani national anthem was played at the ceremony. Students presented tableaus regarding the atrocities being committed by Indian forces on the Kashmiri people.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said that February 5 is a day of renewal. “Pakistan will continue to provide political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri brothers. The Pakistani people have always stood with the Kashmiri people and will continue to stand,” he said.

He stated that the United Nations and the international community should play their key role in achieving freedom in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

A special documentary was shown at the event regarding the ongoing Indian atrocities in Kashmir. A rally was organised to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people. The participants of the rally raised slogans for Kashmir’s liberation.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) and the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APSMA), District Rawalpindi jointly organised art exhibition based on Indian atrocities, a rally, tableau, speech competitions and national song contests.

Speaking on the occasion, Mir Tahir Masood, a Kashmiri leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, stated that the Kashmiri people will never surrender their right to self-determination and will continue their struggle until freedom is achieved.

Assistant Commissioner Saddar Raawalpindi, Hakim Khan, the chief guest at the event, said that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan.

For many decades, United Nations resolutions have not been implemented.

As a result, India is acting like an “arrogant elephant” and committing severe oppression and brutality against the Kashmiri people,” he said.

On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, hockey matches for boys and girls were organised at Shahnaz Sheikh Hockey Stadium, Rawalpindi, under the auspices of the District Sports Department, Rawalpindi and All Kashmir Forum.

The chief guest of the event was MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, who encouraged the players and said that sports guide the young generation towards positive activities and hockey, being the national game of Pakistan, deserves special attention.

Highlighting the importance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, she said that the Pakistani nation stands with the Kashmiri people and will continue to provide them with moral, diplomatic and political support.

Meanwhile, a rally was organised on February 5 on Bank Road, Saddar, under the auspices of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board. Various traders’ organisations and Cantonment Board staff participated in large numbers.

Human chain at Mangla

A grand demonstration of solidarity was held at the historic Mangla Bridge, connecting Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Ch Farrakh Altaf, Member of the National Assembly, and Deputy Commissioner Jhelum Mir Reza Ozgen, along with government officials, civil society, and a large number of citizens, attended the event and formed a long human chain on the bridge, sending a powerful message of freedom to the world andsymbolising the eternal bond and unity between the Kashmiris on both sides of border.

— Hamid Asghar from Gujar Khan also contributed to the story

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2026