To express sympathy and solidarity with the trouble-torn people of Indian-administered Kashmir, the preparations in length and breadth of Pakistan are in full swing to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day or Kashmir Day- a national holiday in the country.
Reports reaching stated that preparations have been on for the past several days in Pakistan. The Government has declared the day public holiday government offices, banks, schools, and colleges will remain closed.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will attend a mega event in the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on the occasion of the Kashmir Solidarity Day, celebrated each year on February 5.
On the special directives of AJK Prime Minister and President Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) AJK chapter Raja Farooq Haider Khan, brisk preparations have been kicked off for holding a mammoth public rally on the eve of the former prime minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif ‘s scheduled arrival on Kashmir Solidarity Day.
Meanwhile, sources told KNB that, solidarity rallies would also be taken out in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world to express sympathy and solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
The history of February 5 goes back to 1990, shortly after the armed uprising in the State began. Nawaz Sharif, the then main opposition leader and the Chief Minister of Punjab, issued advertisements in newspapers appealing for a nation-wide strike on February 5 to enable the people "to pray for God's help for Kashmiries. Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party Government responded by declaring the day public holiday.