(Abdul Basit Alvi)
Every year on the twenty-fourth of October, the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir observe Yaum e Tasees with great emotion and national pride. This day marks the establishment of the provisional government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. It stands as a living reminder of the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties that bind the Kashmiri people to Pakistan. For generations, this occasion has given voice to the aspirations of Kashmiris for self-determination. It also reflects their firm attachment to Pakistan, a relationship that many describe as inseparable and rooted in shared faith and history. The day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a feeling that lives in the hearts of every Kashmiri family, passed down from elders to children with stories of sacrifice and struggle.
The story of this bond goes back to the very moment of partition. When the people of Jammu and Kashmir faced uncertainty and oppression, they chose to stand with Pakistan. On October 24, 1947, they declared their own provisional government, signaling their resolve to decide their future freely. Since then, this date has carried special meaning for every Kashmiri household. It is not merely a historical event but a symbol of resistance, hope, and belonging. The observance reminds the world that the Kashmir issue remains alive in the hearts of millions and that the people of the region will never abandon their quest for justice. Elders recall how their forefathers laid down their lives for this cause. They speak of the hardship endured during those early days and the determination that kept the movement alive. These stories are retold each year so that the new generation understands the price of freedom and the importance of unity.
Yaum e Tasees also highlights the unwavering support Pakistan has extended to the Kashmiri cause over the decades. Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir dispute at international forums and has provided political, moral, and diplomatic backing to the Kashmiri people. This support is not limited to words. It is visible in the generous hosting of Kashmiri refugees, in educational opportunities, and in the open-hearted welcome Kashmiris receive across Pakistan. The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in turn, express their gratitude through their loyalty and affection for Pakistan. This two-way relationship has only grown stronger with the passage of time. Whenever Kashmiris have faced difficulty, they have found a helping hand in Pakistan. Whether it was during times of conflict or natural calamity, Pakistan has stood by them without hesitation. This consistent support has created a sense of trust that cannot be easily broken.
A central part of this bond is the role played by the Pakistan Army. For the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the army is far more than a military force. It is a symbol of security, hope, and protection. Soldiers guard the borders with dedication and remain vigilant in the face of constant challenges. Their presence gives the local population a sense of safety and confidence. Families living near the border often speak of the soldiers who patrol day and night in harsh weather. They know that these men and women are ready to sacrifice their comfort, and even their lives, for the safety of the people. This kind of commitment creates a bond that goes beyond duty. It becomes a relationship of trust and mutual respect.
Beyond border duties, the army has repeatedly come to the aid of civilians during natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. Soldiers have rescued stranded families, distributed relief goods, and helped rebuild damaged homes and infrastructure. These actions have earned the army a place of deep respect in the hearts of the people. During the devastating earthquake of 2005, the army was among the first to reach remote areas. Soldiers carried injured people on their shoulders and worked for days without rest. Similar scenes were witnessed during floods in later years. Helicopters flew food and medicine to villages cut off by water, and engineers rebuilt bridges and roads. These efforts are remembered with gratitude. People do not forget those who stood with them in their darkest hours.
The affection between the Kashmiri people and the Pakistan Army is not one-sided. Soldiers stationed in the region often speak of the warmth and hospitality they receive from local families. This mutual trust has been built over decades of shared sacrifice. Many young men from Azad Jammu and Kashmir serve proudly in the armed forces of Pakistan. They see it as an honor to defend their homeland alongside their brothers from other parts of the country. This shared service has created a bond of blood and brotherhood that no external force can weaken. The army, for its part, has consistently stood by the Kashmiri people in moments of joy and sorrow alike. When a soldier from a local village is martyred, the entire community mourns. When a new recruit joins the ranks, the whole town celebrates. This shared emotion is the true strength of the relationship.
Today, Pakistan is emerging as a strong and confident nation on the world stage. Its economy, defense capabilities, and diplomatic standing continue to grow. The Pakistan Army has also earned recognition as one of the strongest and most professional armies in the world. Kashmiris take genuine pride in being part of such a strong country. They see Pakistan’s progress as their own progress and its strength as their own strength. This sense of shared destiny is at the heart of Yaum e Tasees. The day gives Kashmiris an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the country they feel deeply connected to and to reaffirm their commitment to its future. Young people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir follow news of Pakistan’s development with interest. They dream of contributing to its growth. Many pursue higher education in Pakistani universities and return home with skills that benefit their communities.
Observances of Yaum e Tasees are held across both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir with great enthusiasm. Ceremonies feature speeches, cultural performances, and rallies that draw large crowds. Schools, colleges, and community organizations arrange special programs to educate the younger generation about the significance of the day. Political leaders and civil society members pay tribute to the sacrifices of the past and pledge to work for a brighter future. The streets are filled with the colors of the national flag, and the air resonates with songs of patriotism and solidarity. These gatherings serve as an annual reminder that the bond between Kashmir, Pakistan, and the Pakistan Army remains unshaken. In small villages and large cities alike, the day is marked with the same spirit. People gather in community halls and open grounds. They share meals and exchange greetings. Children wave flags and sing national songs. The atmosphere is one of joy and reflection.
The message of Yaum e Tasees is clear and firm. No force on earth can divide the bond between the Kashmiri people, the Pakistani nation, and the Pakistan Army. This relationship is built on faith, trust, and shared sacrifice. It has survived difficult times and grown stronger with each challenge. On this day, Kashmiris and Pakistanis renew their pledge to work together for the betterment and prosperity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan. They commit themselves to the path of unity, progress, and mutual support. As October 24 arrives each year, it brings with it a renewed sense of purpose and a renewed promise that this unbreakable bond will continue to shine for generations to come. The day ends with prayers for the fallen and hopes for the future. Families return home with a sense of pride and a deeper connection to the land and its people.
The significance of Yaum e Tasees extends beyond the borders of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It speaks to the wider world about the resilience of a people who refuse to give up. It shows how a shared vision can unite different regions and institutions. It demonstrates that the relationship between Kashmir, Pakistan, and the Pakistan Army is not a temporary arrangement but a permanent partnership. This partnership has survived wars, natural disasters, and political changes. It has remained steady through good times and bad. The strength of this bond lies in the everyday actions of ordinary people. It lies in the soldier who shares his food with a local family. It lies in the student who studies hard to serve his country. It lies in the mother who teaches her children about the sacrifices of the past. These small acts add up to something powerful. They create a connection that cannot be broken by any force.
As the years pass, Yaum e Tasees will continue to be observed with the same devotion. The new generation will learn from the old. They will hear the stories and carry forward the legacy. They will understand that the bond between Kashmir, Pakistan, and the Pakistan Army is not just a matter of politics. It is a matter of heart and soul. It is a bond that has been tested by time and found unbreakable. On this day, everyone stands together. They stand for justice, for peace, and for a future where the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir can live with dignity and hope. They stand for the promise of a better tomorrow, built on the foundations of unity and mutual respect. This is the true spirit of Yaum e Tasees. It is a spirit that lives on year after year, stronger than ever before.
