Islamabad, February 4, 2025: The federal government has declared February 5 a public holiday to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The State Bank of Pakistan has also announced that all banking operations will remain suspended for the day.
As per the official notification, all government offices, banks, and educational institutions across the country will remain closed.
To mark the occasion, public rallies, seminars, and human chains will be organized in major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Political leaders and activists are expected to participate in demonstrations emphasizing Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute.
Authorities have advised that markets, schools, and public spaces will remain closed, and traffic disruptions are expected in key areas due to scheduled processions.
Pakistan has observed Kashmir Solidarity Day annually since 1990, advocating for what it calls the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. The longstanding Kashmir dispute remains a central point of tension between Pakistan and India, with Islamabad consistently urging a resolution under United Nations resolutions.
The 2025 federal holiday calendar had already designated February 5 as a national holiday, with provincial governments, including Sindh, also confirming a complete closure of government and semi-government institutions.
