In accordance with the official announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), all banks across the country will be closed on February 5 (Monday) to observe Kashmir Day. This public holiday is dedicated to commemorating the struggles and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The SBP issued a statement confirming the closure, stating, "The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on 5th February 2024 (Monday) being a public holiday on the occasion of ‘Kashmir Day’ as declared by the Government of Pakistan.”
The federal government had previously declared February 5 as a national holiday, emphasizing the significance of observing Kashmir Day throughout the country. In line with this decision, the Cabinet Division mandated a one-minute silence at 10 am on the designated day.
Additionally, the Sindh government issued a notification to ensure the observance of Kashmir Day in the province, further emphasizing the nation’s solidarity and support for the people of the IIOJK.
The Kashmir issue continues to be a contentious point of contention between Pakistan and India, with Pakistan consistently urging the global community to facilitate a plebiscite on the disputed territory. The conflict gained international attention after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unilateral decision to revoke Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to the IIOJK, on August 5, 2019.
Pakistan has maintained its stance that normalization of relations with India is contingent upon the restoration of Kashmir’s special status, underscoring the enduring importance of the Kashmir issue in the region.
