Kashmir Day 2026, also known as Kashmir Solidarity Day, is observed on 5 February 2026 across Pakistan as a national public holiday. To express unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle for self-determination.
The day highlights Pakistan’s political, moral, and diplomatic backing for Kashmiris and draws attention to ongoing human rights concerns.
History of Kashmir Day
Kashmir Day, also known as Kashmir Solidarity Day, has been observed in Pakistan every year on 5 February since 1990.
The day was first announced to express support and unity with the people of Kashmir and to highlight their demand for the right to self-determination.
The observance began amid rising tensions in the region, when Pakistan’s political and religious leadership called for a nationwide show of solidarity.
Over time, it became an official public holiday, marked by rallies, seminars, human chains, and awareness campaigns across the country.
Kashmir Day serves as a reminder of the long-standing Kashmir dispute. Which dates back to 1947 and reflects Pakistan’s continued diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris at international forums, including the United Nations.
Date & Official Public Holiday in Pakistan
The federal government of Pakistan officially declared 5 February 2026 a public holiday for Kashmir Solidarity Day. Closing government offices, banks, schools, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Many provinces, like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, also announced public holidays and urged citizens to participate in peaceful observances.
Why is Kashmir Day observed?
Kashmir Day is an annual observance on 5 February, established in 1990 to show solidarity with Kashmiris and draw global attention to the Kashmir conflict—one of the longest-running geopolitical disputes in South Asia.
It underscores Pakistan’s call for the implementation of United Nations resolutions on Kashmir’s right to self-determination.
Support & Messages from Leadership
On Kashmir Solidarity Day 2026, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the country’s moral, diplomatic, and political support for the people of IIOJK.
They highlighted continued human rights abuses in the region and emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to advocate for Kashmiris’ rights internationally.
Nationwide Observances & Activities
Across major cities and regions—from Islamabad and Lahore to Karachi and Chitral—rallies, demonstrations, seminars, peace marches, and a one-minute silence at 10:00 AM are held to commemorate Kashmir Day.
Organised events, including solidarity walks and exhibitions, engage citizens, civil society groups, and diaspora communities in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Community & Institutional Participation
Local bodies such as the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised solidarity rallies to express support for Kashmiri rights.
Participants raised slogans reaffirming Pakistan’s stance that sustainable peace in South Asia requires a just resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Tributes and Reflections
Kashmir Solidarity Day combines a public tribute to martyrs with calls for international attention to the Kashmir dispute.
Human chains and moments of silence observed to honour those who lost their lives and to reaffirm national unity with the Kashmiri cause.
International Dimensions
Beyond Pakistan, Kashmir Solidarity Day acknowledged by diaspora communities and advocacy groups worldwide to highlight the Kashmir conflict.
The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing dispute and reinforces calls for diplomatic engagement in accordance with international law.
Why Kashmir Day Became a Public Holiday
Kashmir Solidarity Day was declared a public holiday in Pakistan to show national support and unity with the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, who have been struggling for their right to self-determination.
The holiday also pays homage to Kashmiris who lost their lives in the long conflict and highlights Pakistan’s diplomatic stance on the Kashmir issue.
When Was the Holiday First Announced?
The observance of February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day began in 1990 when it was first proposed as a solidarity event.
Over time, February 5 became widely observed, and in 2004. The federal government formally recognised it as a day of national observance and solidarity each year.
Who Was Behind the Holiday?
The idea for Kashmir Solidarity Day initially put forward by Qazi Hussain Ahmad, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, in 1990.
In 1991, Nawaz Sharif, then Prime Minister of Pakistan, supported a Kashmir Solidarity Day strike and helped popularise the day across the country.
Public Holiday (2026)
On 2 February 2026, the federal government of Pakistan announced that 5 February 2026 would observed as a public holiday nationwide for Kashmir Day. Government offices, schools, and businesses closing, and a one-minute silence will held at 10 a.m. to honour Kashmir’s martyrs.
Quick Facts—Kashmir Day 2026
- Date: 5 February 2026 (annual observance).
- Public Holiday: Nationwide in Pakistan—schools, offices, and banks closed.
- Purpose: Show solidarity with Kashmiris and support the right to self-determination. (Aaj English TV)
- Activities: Rallies, seminars, walks, and one-minute silence.