By S.M. Inam
The cry of “Kashmir banega Pakistan” has been a deeply ingrained sentiment within Pakistan’s national psyche since the partition of British India in 1947. For Pakistanis, Kashmir is not merely a region but a powerful symbol of identity, unity, and resistance—a collective belief that Kashmir’s destiny is inextricably linked with their own. Yet, this commitment faces a rapidly changing reality. Over the years, the desire for autonomy among Kashmiris has grown, driven by complex socio-political dynamics and a protracted conflict that has scarred the region. The global political landscape, too, has shifted, as evidenced by the international community’s dwindling support for Pakistan’s stance, with limited enthusiasm for engaging in a conflict overshadowed by other global priorities.
On October 27, observed in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir as “Black Day,” a vast outpouring of support for Kashmir’s right to self-determination brought crowds to the streets in Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, and beyond. The symbolism of these rallies, protests, and speeches was palpable, reinforcing the Pakistani state’s enduring commitment to Kashmir. Slogans demanding an end to what Pakistan deems an illegal occupation by India echoed throughout the country. In Azad Kashmir, major cities like Muzaffarabad became centers of fervent protest, with groups like the Kashmir Liberation Commission organizing massive rallies attended by political figures and thousands of civilians alike. Across Pakistan, federal leaders, including Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Maqam, led events emphasizing the unwavering support Pakistan extends to Kashmir’s resistance.
For Pakistani leadership, highlighting Kashmir’s plight remains a pivotal part of its foreign policy. Yet, despite the diplomatic push, Pakistan’s appeals to the United Nations for intervention and the extensive observance of Black Day worldwide have seen limited traction. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s BJP-led government has doubled down on its stance, revoking the region’s special status in August 2019 and integrating Jammu and Kashmir into India more firmly than ever before. While met with domestic and international criticism, this act went largely unchallenged by the global community, leaving Pakistan grappling with an unfulfilled vision of resolution and intervention.
In Azad Kashmir, the Black Day demonstrations were some of the largest yet, marked by marches in Muzaffarabad and district centers, organized by various political and religious groups, from Pasban-e-Hurriyat to the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Protesters held up banners condemning Indian actions and set fire to effigies of key Indian figures, including Modi, Rajnath Singh, Ajit Doval, and Amit Shah, accusing them of orchestrating human rights abuses against Kashmiris. Local leaders such as Azad Kashmir Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar and opposition leader Khawaja Farooq delivered impassioned speeches, pledging support and affirming that the pursuit of autonomy and resistance against perceived oppression would not wane.
Internationally, Pakistani diplomatic missions echoed the sentiments at home, organizing events, conferences, and vigils to spotlight the hardships faced by Kashmiris. Overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri communities gathered in symbolic protest, attempting to keep the Kashmir cause alive in international forums, even as the world’s interest appears to wane. These demonstrations underscore Pakistan’s determination to remind the world of Kashmir’s unresolved status, even as geopolitical complexities and waning global attention cast doubt on the possibility of achieving the aspirations embodied in the phrase “Kashmir banega Pakistan.”
Yet, for all the patriotic fervor, Pakistan’s commitment to Kashmir is increasingly met with stark geopolitical realities. India’s fortified stance, Pakistan’s own economic and political challenges, and a global landscape focused on issues ranging from economic competition to climate crisis leave the Kashmir issue in a complicated bind. The observance of Black Day, while symbolically powerful, underscores a difficult truth for Pakistan: the dream of “Kashmir banega Pakistan” remains alive in national memory, but in practice, the pathway to any resolution seems elusive.
This annual commemoration reveals Pakistan’s struggle with reconciling aspirations with realities. It is a profound reminder of a historical and emotional bond that remains central to Pakistan’s national identity and a resilient symbol of solidarity. However, whether this yearly show of unity can translate into meaningful, global action remains to be seen. As Pakistan continues to champion Kashmir’s right to self-determination, it confronts an indifferent international community and a tenacious adversary, leaving the question open: will the global stage ever take up the Kashmir cause again, or is it destined to remain a poignant but unresolved chapter in the region’s history?
(The writer is a senior analyst on national international affairs, can be reached at inam@metro-morning.com)
