Kashmir Solidarity day is a national day of rallies, minute silent and national public holiday held every February 5, 2026 in Pakistan. The day emphasizes the support of Kashmiri in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir because, according to the reports, there is a new wave of security operations, political unrest, and issues of human rights in the region.

Pakistan marked Kashmir Solidarity Day 2026 on February 5 with a nationwide public holiday to reaffirm support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The federal and provincial governments, including Punjab and Sindh, suspended official work for the day. Banks, schools, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange remained closed.

At 10:00 AM, the country observed a one-minute silence. Sirens echoed across major cities to honor those who lost their lives in the Kashmir freedom movement.

Authorities and civil society groups formed human chains at Kohala Bridge and other entry points linking Pakistan with Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The gesture aimed to symbolize unity across the Line of Control.

Large solidarity rallies took place in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Muzaffarabad. Speakers urged the international community to act on long-standing UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.

Situation in IIOJK

Reports from early February 2026 describe a tense situation inside the occupied territory.

Indian forces intensified cordon and search operations in Kishtwar and Samba districts. Residents reported increased movement restrictions during these operations.

Inside the IIOJK Assembly, leaders from the National Conference and Congress continued protests. They demanded the restoration of statehood and reversal of political changes introduced after the 2019 abrogation of Article 370.

Local activists flagged fresh NIA raids in Srinagar and Baramulla. They described the actions as pressure tactics against civilians.

Observers also reported restrictions on religious gatherings, including events linked to Shab-e-Barat, in several parts of the valley.

Kashmir Solidarity Day began in 1990 on the call of Qazi Hussain Ahmad and later became an official state observance.

Pakistan maintains that Kashmir remains its core diplomatic issue. Islamabad continues to call for a free and impartial plebiscite under UN supervision.

This week, reports from Kashmir Media Service noted the appearance of “Thank You Pakistan” posters in parts of Srinagar, reflecting continued public attention to Pakistan’s diplomatic stance.