The Story Behind Azad Kashmir’s Foundation Day

The Story Behind Azad Kashmir’s Foundation Day

Every year on 24 October, the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) celebrate their Foundation Day remembering the day, they formed self governing state in 1947. Also, the unwavering courage and faith of people who did not want to live under oppression. This was the start of the Azad Kashmir revolt against the Dogra rule that was oppressive and brutal to the people of Kashmir.

The Dawn of Kashmir’s Freedom

October 24th is the dawn of liberation in Kashmir. These words are the reflection of the spirit of a movement that had begun with ordinary men and women who stood up against inconceivable conditions. When the subcontinents were partitioned in 1947, the destiny of Kashmir was at stake. The Dogra ruler, without the people’s will, aligned with India. However, Kashmiris united in faith and righteousness and chose to revolt. Having faith rather than fire, they had difficulties in capturing their land and face their feelings. It was the day when Azad Jammu and Kashmir was created and the first achievement of their long process of attaining self-determination had been obtained.

It was the foundation day when sacrifices receive sovereignty. Liberation of Azad Kashmir was not brought through negotiation or by way of favor, it was purchased through blood, resolve, and religious conviction. Millions of martyrs sacrificed their lives in the service of something bigger than themselves. Incineration of villages, separation of families, but no retreat at all. It is a reminder of the slogan,

Freedom was earned, not gifted.

A Tribute to the Heroes

Glory to the fighters of 1947 that fought against tyranny. The Foundation Day is an opportunity every year to honor the martyrs and the Ghazis who were at the frontline of the struggle. They continue to inspire generations of young people in Kashmir, who are not only heirs to the land but also to a legacy of struggle. Their identity is deeply rooted in the pursuit of freedom and dignity through their sacrifices. This legacy has never been compromised in Azad Kashmir, ensuring that the efforts made in 1947 will never be in vain.

Pakistan and Kashmir One Spirit, One Struggle

The bond between Pakistan and Kashmir is strong since the birth of the freedom movement. This bond is typified by common belief, common sacrifice, and common fate. The people of AJK have seen their liberty to be tied to the ideology of Pakistan to live according to their values and beliefs. As per the slogan, there is one spirit, one struggle, Pakistan and Kashmir.

The Pakistani people rally side by side with their brothers and sisters in Kashmir and this time around propagating their conviction of the right to self determination of all the Kashmiris who continue being occupied. A relationship between history, blood, and religion, and not political rhetoric.

The struggle of unconditional emancipation continues to date.

“The blood of martyrs still guards our liberty,” and “Freedom’s fire still burns bright in Kashmir.”

These are not some poetic catch phrases, they echo the reality that the Kashmiri spirit cannot be suppressed. Despite several decades of suffering, Kashmiri people do not surrender, and one message is made heard, on the same day, up in the mountains and down in the valleys, as loud as possible, from struggle to strength Kashmir stands proud.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Foundation Day is never merely another date on the calendar, it is a breathing monument of courage, faith, and human communal hope to be free.

It is the day to pay homage to those who gave their lives so the future Kashmiris live with freedom and dignity.