Pakistan Reaffirms “Jugular Vein” Stance, Kashmir Solidarity Day 2026

Feb 5, 2026 | Current Affairs, Politics

ISLAMABAD / MUZAFFARABAD — Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day today, February 5, 2026, with nationwide rallies and high-level diplomatic messaging. The day is marked by a public holiday and a one-minute silence observed at 10:00 am to honor the martyrs of the Kashmiri struggle.

The 2026 observance carries particular weight following the recent death of AJK President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, who passed away on January 31, and a significant structural shift in Pakistan’s military command.

Leadership Pledges and Welfare Initiatives

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued strong messages, linking the struggle to the 1989 uprising initiated during Benazir Bhutto’s tenure.

  • Refugee Support: PM Shehbaz announced an increase in the monthly per capita subsistence allowance for Kashmiri refugees to Rs 5,000.
  • Housing Project: A Rs 3 billion pilot project is underway to construct 750 residential houses for Jammu and Kashmir refugees, with land provided by the AJK government.
  • Diplomatic Call: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the “institutionalized Islamophobia” in the region, specifically citing the recent mandatory profiling of mosques and religious officials in IIOJK.

Military Solidarity: The Field Marshal’s Message

In a significant development for 2026, the message from the armed forces was led by the country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

  • The Command: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (promoted to the rank in May 2025 and appointed CDF in December 2025) reaffirmed the military’s unwavering support.
  • The Joint Stance: Alongside the Naval and Air Chiefs, the CDF condemned attempts to alter the demographic landscape of the region, stating that a resolution according to UNSC aspirations is “essential for lasting peace in South Asia.”

Muzaffarabad: Special Session of AJK Assembly

PM Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Muzaffarabad to address a special session of the AJK Legislative Assembly, where he was welcomed by AJK PM Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore.

“Kashmiris show the world every day the mirror of reality. They announce every day that Kashmir has never been a part of India, it is not, and it will never be.” — PM Shehbaz Sharif

Events Across the Nation

Location Activity
Islamabad Rally led by Minister Amir Muqam from China Chowk to D-Chowk.
Kohala Bridge Symbolic human chain formed to link Pakistan and AJK.
Karachi CM Murad Ali Shah led a major march to Mazar-i-Quaid.
Nationwide One-minute silence at 10:00 am; sirens sounded in major cities.

 

The Loss of a Veteran Leader

The day was also a moment of mourning for the late AJK President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry. Having died just days ago on January 31 at age 71, he was remembered by PM Shehbaz as a “wise and dedicated politician” who spent his life championing the Kashmir cause on the international stage.

You May Also Like: Pakistan Reaffirms Call for Kashmir Plebiscite on Right to Self-Determination Day

Check out our latest video: