Due to the importance of Kashmir Day, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has announced a public holiday on February 5, according to a notification issued on 10th January 2018.
All government, semi-government offices, educational institutions, and corporations will remain closed on Kashmir day in remembrance of the martyrs of Kashmir.
February 5 is falling on Monday so government and private office employees will be able to avail a long weekend.
To highlight the issue of Kashmir more effectively, Qazi Hussain Ahmad of Jamaat-e-Islami party had suggested a non-working day in 1990.
The idea received endorsements of then Punjab Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistan People’s Party-led government then declared February 5 as a public holiday.
The issue of control of Kashmir is considered as a core issue between Pakistan and India, which has also led to three wars.
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Pakistan has to dedicate a significant portion of its national income to military budgets for taking care of Kashmir’s borders.
The day is marked by political rallies, marches, and speeches about Kashmir.
