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........

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