October 24 holds a special place in the history of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It commemorates not merely the establishment of an administrative and political structure but also a historic struggle rooted in the aspirations of the Kashmiri people for freedom, dignity, self-determination and the right to decide their political future. The day recalls the political vision of our elders, the sacrifices of our martyrs and the responsibilities that continue to rest upon us.
The true significance of the founding day lies not simply in remembering the past but in drawing lessons from history, assessing our present circumstances and renewing our commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and dignified future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.July 19, 1947: A Political Decision Rooted in the Two-Nation TheoryThe history of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be understood without recognising the significance of July 19, 1947. Before the partition of British India, the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference adopted a historic resolution in Srinagar expressing its political commitment to the state’s accession to Pakistan.
The resolution reflected the aspirations of a significant section of the state’s Muslim political leadership, which viewed Jammu and Kashmir’s future as intrinsically connected with Pakistan. This position was rooted in religious, cultural, historical and geographical ties, as well as the political realities surrounding the partition of the subcontinent.The Two-Nation Theory provided the ideological foundation of the Pakistan Movement. Muslims in the subcontinent sought a separate homeland to protect their political rights, religious freedom, cultural identity and collective interests. The Muslim Conference’s resolution reflected the conviction of its leadership that the future of Jammu and Kashmir should be linked to Pakistan.
Historical accuracy, however, requires a clear distinction between a political resolution expressing the intention to accede and the formal completion of legal accession. The resolution of July 19 was a significant political declaration, but it did not, by itself, complete the legal process of accession.Its enduring importance lies in the political aspirations it expressed and the historical context in which it was adopted. For Azad Jammu and Kashmir, this legacy remains a significant part of its political identity and relationship with Pakistan.Yet historical affiliation must mean more than an emotional attachment or the repetition of inherited slogans. It must be reflected in practical efforts to safeguard the dignity, rights, economic well-being and political aspirations of the Kashmiri people.October 24, 1947: The Establishment of Azad Government and Its Historic Responsibility
The establishment of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir on October 24, 1947, marked a defining stage in the region’s history. It emerged amid the extraordinary political upheaval following the partition of British India, popular resistance and the unfolding struggle over the future of the princely state.The establishment of the government provided an important political and administrative framework for the Kashmiri freedom struggle. It represented an institutional expression of the determination to resist subjugation and pursue the political aspirations of the people.However, the creation of the Azad Government did not resolve the wider Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The future of the entire state and the right of its people to determine that future remain central to the unresolved question of Kashmir.Consequently, the founding day should be regarded not merely as a commemoration of an achievement but also as a reminder of an unfinished historic responsibility. That responsibility demands political maturity, democratic stability, national unity and a sustained commitment to public welfare.Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Development, Achievements and Unfinished PrioritiesThe real measure of a society’s progress is the improvement it brings to people’s lives. Access to quality education and healthcare, employment opportunities, reliable infrastructure, effective institutions and transparent governance are the principal indicators of meaningful development.Over the decades, Azad Jammu and Kashmir has made progress in several areas, including education, healthcare, roads, communications, electricity and other essential services. The hard work of local communities, the contribution of state institutions and Pakistan’s financial and developmental support have all played a role in this progress.
Nevertheless, substantial challenges remain. Remote and mountainous communities continue to require better road connectivity, accessible healthcare, adequately staffed educational institutions and improved public services. Employment opportunities for young people, the expansion of industrial and commercial activity, and the responsible use of the region’s natural resources also deserve sustained attention.The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are entitled to effective planning, transparent administration and a fair distribution of available resources. The benefits of development must reach urban centres, rural communities and remote mountainous areas alike.Public representatives, in particular, must demonstrate their worth by raising people’s concerns before the relevant authorities and pursuing practical solutions. Representation is not simply a political position; it is a public trust that carries an obligation to deliver.The founding day should therefore inspire an honest assessment of both achievements and shortcomings. Pride in history is meaningful only when it is accompanied by efforts to improve the present and secure a better future.Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir: A Historic Relationship and a Shared ResponsibilityOn this historic occasion, it is both a national and a moral responsibility to acknowledge the support extended by the Government of Pakistan, its political leadership, the country’s military leadership and the Pakistani people.Despite difficult economic, political and regional circumstances, Pakistan has continued to support Azad Jammu and Kashmir in matters relating to development, public welfare, security and the international advocacy of the Kashmir cause. Its diplomatic support for the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination has remained an important dimension of this relationship.Pakistan’s assistance in education, healthcare, communications, energy, infrastructure and other sectors has contributed significantly to the development of the region. Such cooperation has helped expand public services and strengthen the institutional foundations of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Acknowledging this support does not mean overlooking the challenges that remain. Rather, gratitude should reinforce the determination to use available resources effectively, address public concerns and ensure that development initiatives respond to the genuine needs of the people.We hold in high regard the contributions and sacrifices of Pakistan’s political leadership, military leadership and citizens. Particular tribute is due to the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the region and for the protection of peace and security. Their sacrifices form an important part of our shared history and deserve enduring respect.The relationship between Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir extends beyond geographical proximity. It draws strength from shared history, cultural affinities, political commitments and longstanding cooperation.Preserving and strengthening this relationship requires mutual respect, an understanding of local aspirations and a sustained commitment to the welfare of the people. It is our sincere hope that Pakistan’s political and military leadership, together with the relevant institutions, will continue supporting the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the resolution of its pressing public issues.The Unfinished Mission of the Kashmir Freedom MovementThe establishment of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was an important milestone, but it did not bring the wider struggle over the future of Jammu and Kashmir to a conclusion. The right of the people of the entire state to determine their political future remains a fundamental issue.The founding day must therefore serve as a reminder that the responsibilities of governance and public welfare go hand in hand with the pursuit of a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Support for the right to self-determination must be advanced in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. The genuine aspirations of the Kashmiri people, their human rights and their ability to determine their political future must remain at the centre of these efforts.Effective diplomacy, engagement with the international community and peaceful political advocacy are indispensable to this cause. The international community must continue to recognise the importance of a just and peaceful resolution that takes account of the rights and aspirations of the people concerned.Equally important is the need to strengthen democratic institutions within Azad Jammu and Kashmir, uphold the rule of law, respect public representation and resolve political disagreements through dialogue. A stable, prosperous and institutionally strong Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be better equipped to fulfil its historic responsibilities.The credibility of our political position abroad is also strengthened when our institutions at home reflect democratic values, public accountability and respect for the rights of citizens.The Founding Day: From Historical Legacy to Future ResponsibilityOctober 24 calls upon us to honour the decisions of our elders, remember the sacrifices of our martyrs and recognise the historic relationship between Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
It also challenges us to acknowledge our shortcomings and renew our determination to build a better future.Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a legacy entrusted to us by earlier generations, a centre of public aspirations and an important chapter in the history of the Kashmir freedom movement. Our historic and ideological relationship with Pakistan remains a significant part of our collective identity, while support for the right of the entire people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination remains a shared responsibility.These objectives require national unity, political tolerance, democratic stability, economic development and a genuine commitment to public welfare.On this founding day, we must pledge to honour the sacrifices of our martyrs, understand the historical significance of our elders’ decisions, value the cooperation extended by Pakistan’s political and military leadership and work towards making Azad Jammu and Kashmir a prosperous, peaceful, stable and dignified region.The message of October 24 is clear: draw wisdom from history, fulfil our responsibilities in the present and approach the future with renewed resolve.Public Rights Must Never Become a Burden on the Public
This commitment also requires clarity regarding the methods adopted in the name of public rights. Any movement claiming to represent the people must be judged not merely by its stated objectives but also by the consequences of its actions for ordinary citizens.The protection of fundamental rights is a legitimate democratic objective. Peaceful protest, freedom of expression and the right to present grievances are essential components of a democratic society. Governments, too, have a responsibility to listen to legitimate demands, address public grievances and pursue fair and practical solutions.However, when a movement’s methods disrupt ordinary life, obstruct economic activity and undermine access to education, healthcare and essential services, its strategy deserves serious scrutiny.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, recent protests undertaken in the name of public rights have, at times, imposed significant hardships on the very people whose interests they claim to represent. Disruptions to transport, businesses, educational activities, medical services and other essential functions have added to the difficulties of ordinary households and caused damage to livelihoods and economic activity.Such consequences cannot be dismissed as incidental or unavoidable. They raise important questions about the proportionality, responsibility and public value of the methods employed.I unequivocally dissociate myself from those forms of protest and political conduct in Azad Jammu and Kashmir that have harmed public interests, paralysed essential aspects of daily life and deepened mistrust among citizens, the government, state institutions and political stakeholders.This position should not be misconstrued as opposition to the legitimate demands of the people. On the contrary, it is rooted in the conviction that genuine public welfare must remain the ultimate objective of every political movement.No movement becomes the unquestionable representative of the public merely by invoking the language of rights. Its legitimacy must also be assessed by whether its actions ease people’s hardships or compound them.We support fundamental rights, democratic freedoms and peaceful political struggle. We cannot, however, endorse strategies that hold ordinary citizens hostage to political demands, damage their economic and social interests or promote hatred, disorder and distrust.Nor should political actors lose sight of the wider implications of internal instability. Prolonged unrest and divisions within society can be exploited by hostile forces, including India, to advance narratives contrary to Pakistan’s and the Kashmiri people’s interests. This possibility should encourage political responsibility, not suppress legitimate dissent or justify the denial of lawful rights.The appropriate response to public grievances is neither confrontation for its own sake nor the indiscriminate rejection of popular demands. It is sustained dialogue, reasoned argument, constitutional and democratic engagement, and responsible political conduct.The government and relevant institutions must also recognise their obligations. They should address legitimate demands seriously, ensure that commitments are honoured, resolve outstanding issues through meaningful negotiations and prioritise the restoration of public confidence.Political leadership on all sides must recognise that the success of a rights movement cannot be measured simply by the scale of a protest or the disruption it creates. Its real achievement lies in securing meaningful relief, protecting citizens’ dignity and improving their lives.Our Position on October 24On this historic occasion, my position is unequivocal: I dissociate myself completely from any form of protest or political strategy that, in the name of public rights, inflicts harm on the public, paralyses everyday life and creates distrust at the social and institutional levels.
My commitment remains to the genuine interests of the people, the peace and stability of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, our historic relationship with Pakistan and the fundamental objectives of the Kashmir freedom movement.The pursuit of rights and the protection of public welfare are not competing objectives. They must reinforce each other. A movement that seeks relief for the people must not make their lives more difficult in the process.To harm the public in the name of public rights is to depart from the very purpose those rights are meant to serve.As we commemorate October 24, let us honour our history through responsible action, demonstrate our commitment to Pakistan through constructive cooperation, and advance the Kashmir cause through peaceful, principled and effective political engagement.That is the path of fidelity to history, service to the people and integrity towards future generations.
