OCTOBER 24, 1947, holds a special place in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. On this day, the people of the region established the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Government in the areas liberated from Dogra rule. Celebrated annually as Youm-e-Tasees, or Foundation Day, the occasion commemorates the sacrifices of those who struggled for freedom and renews the commitment to the right of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As Azad Jammu and Kashmir marks its 79th Foundation Day on 24th October, 2026, the occasion carries renewed significance. It is an opportunity to remind the younger generation of the continuing struggle of Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), many of whom have endured decades of conflict, political restrictions and human rights concerns. It also recalls the sacrifices of their forefathers, whose struggle laid the foundations for a territory where its people could exercise a measure of political freedom.
The significance of Youm-e-Tasees extends beyond commemoration. Azad Jammu and Kashmir has historically been regarded by its leadership and people as a base for supporting the wider Kashmiri struggle for self-determination. Its institutions, political leadership and civil society therefore have a responsibility to keep the aspirations of Kashmiris in IIOJK at the center of public discourse. On this occasion, the people of AJK reaffirm their solidarity with their brothers and sisters across the Line of Control (LoC). Their message must be clear: the sacrifices and aspirations of the Kashmiri people have not been forgotten. Pakistan, meanwhile, has an important role in extending political, moral and diplomatic support towards Kashmiri dispute. The international community must also be reminded that the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved and that a durable settlement requires respect for the rights and aspirations of its people, in accordance with UN resolutions and international law.
The history of Jammu and Kashmir is marked by several defining dates that reflect the region’s suffering, political awakening and continuing quest for self-determination. The first is March 16, 1846, when the Treaty of Amritsar was signed between Gulab Singh and the British East India Company. Under the agreement, the territories of Jammu and Kashmir were transferred to Gulab Singh in return for 7.5 million Nanakshahi rupees. For many Kashmiris, this episode remains a painful reminder of a period when the fate of the region and its inhabitants was determined without their consent. The second landmark is July 13, 1931, observed as Kashmir Martyrs’ Day. On this day, 22 Kashmiris were killed by Dogra forces outside Srinagar Central Jail. The incident became a defining moment in the political awakening of the Kashmiri people and strengthened opposition to Dogra rule. It was followed by the emergence of organized political movements, including the All–Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, which became an important platform for articulating Kashmiri political aspirations.
The third significant date is July 19, 1947. On this day, Kashmiri leadership adopted a resolution calling for the accession of their State to Pakistan. The resolution reflected the political preferences of its supporters and the historical, cultural, geographical and economic connections they emphasized between the two regions. The fourth landmark is October 24, 1947, when the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government was established. The occasion symbolizes the emergence of a local political administration amid the upheaval surrounding the partition of British India and the conflict over Jammu and Kashmir. On October 27, 1947, India militarily invaded the state in violation of Partition Plan. Kashmiris observe the date as Black Day. Another defining period began in 1989–90, when Kashmiris stood against Indian and Indian forces killed over 100,000 Kashmiris since then and continuing massive human rights violations in IIOJK.
There have been thousands of deaths through tortures and fake encounters while successive cycles of protest and unrest have demonstrated the persistence of political grievances. On August 5, 2019, India revoked special status of IIOJK and illegally relegated the state into two union territories. The decision was illegal and intensified concerns among Kashmiris regarding political representation, identity, land rights and demographic change. As Azad Jammu and Kashmir celebrates its 79th Youm-e-Tasees, the occasion calls for a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
The political, moral and diplomatic dimensions of the Kashmiris deserve sustained attention at international forums; UNO, EU and OIC. Foundation Day is more than a historical anniversary. It represents sacrifice, hope and an enduring demand for dignity and political choice. Its true significance lies in ensuring that the aspirations of the Kashmiri people remain visible, that their rights are pursued through sustained diplomatic engagement, and that future generations inherit the prospect of peace, justice and a lasting resolution of the dispute as per their wishes in the light of UN resolutions.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.