| Kashmir Solidarity Day | |
|---|---|
 Banner raised for Kashmir Solidarity Day inIslamabad | |
| Observed by | Pakistan |
| Date | 5 February |
| Next time | 5 February 2026 (2026-02-05) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 1990 |
| Started by | Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan |
| Related to | Kashmir conflict |
Kashmir Solidarity Day (Urdu:یوم یکجہتی کشمیر) is anational holiday observed in Pakistan on 5 February annually. It is observed to show Pakistan's support and unity with the people of Indian-administeredJammu and Kashmir andKashmiri separatists' efforts to secede from theIndian Republic, and to pay homage to theKashmiris who have died in theconflict.[1][2] Solidarity rallies are held in the Pakistani-administered territory ofAzad Jammu and Kashmir,[3]Pakistan and byMirpuri Kashmiris in theUnited Kingdom.
Kashmir Solidarity Day was first proposed byQazi Hussain Ahmad of theJamaat-e-Islami Pakistan in 1990,[4] and supported byNawaz Sharif.[5] The current commemoration was started by the Pakistani minister forKashmir Affairs and Northern Areas in 2004.[6]
Kashmir Solidarity Day was first proposed byQazi Hussain Ahmad of theJamaat-e-Islami Pakistan in 1990.[4] In 1991, the then-Prime Minister of PakistanNawaz Sharif called for a "Kashmir Solidarity Day Strike".[5] Sharif had come to power with the help of the Jamaat in the previous year, and the 1991 event was also a Jamaat affair.[7]
The current 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' was started by the Pakistani minister forKashmir Affairs and Northern Areas in 2004.[8]
In 2021, theNew York State Assembly passed a resolution calling on the Governor of New York to recognize the day asKashmir American Day. According to the resolution, the day is meant to recognize New York's Kashmiri community and to "champion human rights including the freedom of religion".[9][10][11]
In 2022, the Pakistani franchises of international companies such as Hyundai and Kia Motors, Suzuki Motors, Toyota, KFC and Pizza Hut issued advertisements in favour of Kashmiris 'right to freedom'. The Indian franchises of these companies apologised for the partisan nature of the acts and said that their parent company's brand names were used without authorisation.[12][13][14]
