Azad Kashmir Day (Youm-e-Tasees)

Haider Mustehsan

A land where the rivers flow with stories of resilience, where the fertile soil sprouts the seeds of determination, where the mountains and valleys echo the cries for freedom and the blood and pain of its people ignite the unwavering dream of independence – that is the land of Kashmir.

Youm-e-Tasees, marks the establishment of an independent Kashmir (AJK) state. Ghazi-e-Millat, Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, revered as the founding father of AJK, led the revolutionary government with a vision for an autonomous, self-governing Kashmir. His leadership was instrumental in organizing the local forces and tribal freedom fighters who resisted the brutal Maharaja’s forces and sought to bring Kashmir freedom.

The creation of the revolutionary government under his leadership granted the people of AJK a state with its distinct flag, its president, and its independent legislature. This formation of a robust and independent body of governance was not merely a symbolic act; it was the beginning of a struggle for the liberation of all the Kashmiri people still under brutal repression in the Indian Illegally occupied territory of Kashmir (IIOK).

Youm-e-Tasees marks the establishment of an independent Kashmir (AJK) state led by Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan.

As such, the government of AJK after attaining its freedom and the ability to determine its destiny, now acts as the primary beacon to repatriate its complete and rightful territories, by forgiving their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and fighting for their rights that were tragically denied over 7 decades ago.

Over the years, Pakistan has remained steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of the people of AJK. This support has manifested through infrastructure development, educational reforms, healthcare advancements, and economic initiatives aimed at uplifting the region. Key projects like the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project have not only contributed to AJK’s energy needs but have also provided much-needed employment to the local population.

Roads and communication networks have been developed to connect remote areas, while schools and universities have enhanced access to education. Pakistan has also extended healthcare services to the people of AJK, establishing hospitals and medical centers in rural areas and providing social welfare programs such as the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to help families in need. These efforts have brought tangible improvements to the lives of Kashmiris living in AJK, fostering economic growth and social progress in the region.

Moreover, Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic support for the Kashmiri cause remains one of the pillars of its foreign policy. For decades, Pakistan has highlighted the Kashmir issue on global platforms such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other international forums, calling for the implementation of the UN resolutions that advocate for a plebiscite to allow the people of Kashmir to determine their future.

The government of AJK symbolizes the ongoing struggle for the liberation of all Kashmiris under Indian occupation.

In recent years, particularly after India’s unilateral revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, Pakistan has intensified its efforts on the diplomatic front. The issue has been raised time and time again at UN General Assembly, highlighting the human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir, shedding light on the plight of Kashmiris subjected to brutal curfews, media blackouts, and systemic oppression. Pakistan continues to push for international intervention, seeking to mobilize world powers to ensure that Kashmiris can exercise their right to self-determination, a right enshrined in international law but denied to them for far too long.

While we celebrate the progress made in AJK, it is essential to recognize the enormous sacrifices made by Kashmiris in their fight for freedom. From the initial uprisings in 1947 to the ongoing struggle against brutal Indian rule in the IIOK, thousands of Kashmiris have laid down their lives for the cause of independence. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have faced unspeakable hardships, including mass displacement, enforced disappearances, and military crackdowns, yet their spirit remains unbroken. The people of Kashmir continue to resist against a backdrop of draconian policies and a heavy military presence. These sacrifices are a stark reminder that the fight for freedom is ongoing, and the world must take notice of the human cost of this conflict.

As we mark Youm-e-Tasees, it is crucial to remember that while Azad Jammu and Kashmir have made strides in development and self-governance, the broader Kashmir issue remains unresolved. The sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, both in AJK and in Indian Illegally-occupied Kashmir, remind us that the struggle for freedom is far from over. Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmiri cause—through diplomatic, political, and economic means—must continue with renewed vigor as it sees an independent and thriving Kashmir as an inseparable part of Pakistan’s core ethos. This day is not just a celebration of the progress made in AJK; it is a reminder of the international community’s obligation to act, ensuring that the people of Kashmir are granted the basic right of self-determination. The world must heed their call, and Pakistan will stand with Kashmiris, as it has since that fateful day in 1947, until justice is achieved. Kashmir’s freedom is not a distant dream— it is a cause worth fighting for.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

The author holds a BA from SUNY Binghamton and an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from NDU. Currently, he is associated with IPRI.