The ninth martyrdom anniversary of prominent Kashmiri freedom fighter Burhan Wani was observed in Azad Kashmir with widespread demonstrations and rallies. A large procession organized by Pasban-e-Hurriyat in Muzaffarabad protested against Indian atrocities, human rights violations, and the targeting of Hurriyat Conference leaders. Hundreds of youth participated in a freedom race from Shaheed Afzal Guru Chowk to Azadi Chowk, led by Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Pasban-e-Hurriyat Chairman Ejaz Ahmed Ghazi, PPP leader Shaukat Javed Mir, and Vice Chairman Usman Ali Hashimi. The youth paid tribute to Wani and other martyred Kashmiris. Commemorative events were organized by various political, religious, social, and educational institutions across Azad Kashmir.

Addressing a gathering organized by the Shaheed Foundation, Speaker Akbar stressed that ignoring UN resolutions on Kashmiris’ right to self-determination poses a threat to global peace. He termed the recent success of the Pakistan Army against India, under the leadership of Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim Munir, a victory for peace. He reiterated the nation’s resolve to support the army against any aggression by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Akbar also highlighted the achievements of a recent parliamentary delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto, which held several meetings to advance Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.

At the same event, Shaukat Javed Mir, Ejaz Ahmed Ghazi, Abdul Razzaq Khan, and Mushaaq Ahmed Butt recounted how Burhan Wani chose the path of resistance against Indian occupation after the martyrdom of his brother, Khalid Wani. They highlighted Wani’s use of social media to advocate for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and expose India’s alleged human rights violations. They reiterated the demand for the right to self-determination for Kashmiris in accordance with UN resolutions and condemned India’s ongoing oppression. Despite the hardships, they reaffirmed the Kashmiri people’s determination to achieve freedom and called for continued resistance against Indian forces.