Kashmir Solidarity Day: Pakistan’s Position and Diplomatic Engagement in Kyiv

In Pakistan, 5 February is observed annually as Kashmir Solidarity Day, a national occasion dedicated to expressing political and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their right to self-determination. The day serves as a platform to draw international attention to the situation in the region and to reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir issue.

Traditionally, Kashmir Solidarity Day is marked by public gatherings, seminars, prayers, and peaceful demonstrations across major cities in Pakistan and in Pakistani communities abroad. The initiative to observe this day was first proposed in 1990 by Qazi Hussain Ahmad, with the support of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and has since become an officially recognized national observance.

This year, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Ukraine marked Kashmir Solidarity Day with a formal event held at the Islamic Cultural Center in Kyiv. The ceremony brought together members of the Pakistani diaspora, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the international community, and prominent Ukrainian public and cultural figures.

The event commenced with the reading of official messages from the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, reaffirming the country’s principled stance in support of the Kashmiri people and emphasizing the importance of resolving the issue in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The program featured addresses by activists and representatives of the Pakistani community, who highlighted the humanitarian dimension of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for sustained international attention to the issue.

A documentary film screening formed a central part of the event, presenting an overview of the humanitarian conditions in the region. The screening prompted discussion and reflection among participants, further underlining the human aspect of the long-standing dispute.

The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Mr. Kanwar Adnan Ahmed Khan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Ukraine. In his remarks, the Ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principle of self-determination and emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in line with international legal norms.

He also expressed appreciation to the Ukrainian side and the international community for their engagement and participation, underscoring the role of dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual understanding in addressing complex regional challenges.

The commemoration of Kashmir Solidarity Day in Kyiv served as a platform for cultural and diplomatic exchange, bringing together diverse audiences to discuss international issues, humanitarian concerns, and the role of diplomacy in promoting peace and stability.

Oleksandr Kondratenko

Magazine Kyiv Diplomatic.