ISLAMABAD: In a powerful display of bilateral solidarity, Türkiye has onceagain affirmed its steadfast support for the Kashmiri people’s right toself-determination during a special event held at the Pakistani Embassy inAnkara to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, 2026. The ceremony,attended by prominent Turkish parliamentarian Ali Şahin, Chairperson of theTürkiye-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, highlighted the deephistorical and moral ties between the two nations. Şahin’s addressemphasized that Pakistan would never stand alone in its advocacy forKashmir, drawing parallels to shared historical sacrifices and underscoringthe spiritual proximity of the region to Türkiye.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by theplaying of the national anthems of Pakistan and Türkiye, setting a tone ofmutual respect and fraternity. A documentary screening portrayed thehistorical struggle of Kashmiris, their sacrifices over decades, and theprevailing humanitarian situation in the occupied territory. Dignitaries,including representatives from Turkish institutions, media, academia, andcivil society, gathered to express collective concern over the unresolveddispute, which Pakistan views as central to regional peace and stability inSouth Asia.
Ali Şahin, a member of the ruling AK Party and key figure in parliamentarydiplomacy between the two countries, delivered the keynote remarks thatresonated strongly with the audience. He reiterated Türkiye’s unshakeablecommitment, stating that whether in the fight against terrorism or thequest for justice in Kashmir, Pakistan would never be isolated. Şahinstressed the emotional and ethical closeness, describing Kashmir as beingat zero spiritual distance from Anatolia despite geographical separation.This rhetorical framing reinforced the fraternal bond rooted in sharedIslamic heritage and mutual historical support.
Drawing historical parallels, Şahin referenced the Çanakkale campaignduring World War I, where Muslims from the subcontinent, including thosefrom areas now part of Pakistan, stood with Ottoman forces. He invokedPresident Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s earlier characterization of Kashmir asTürkiye’s “Çanakkale fortress,” symbolizing an unbreakable defense ofjustice. This analogy positions the Kashmiri struggle as a moral imperativefor Türkiye, mirroring the reciprocal solidarity shown a century ago. Suchreferences aim to mobilize broader Muslim world opinion in favor of apeaceful resolution based on United Nations resolutions.
Şahin directed pointed criticism toward India’s policies in occupied Jammuand Kashmir since the 2019 revocation of Article 370, which altered theregion’s special status. He described the area as transformed into an “openprison,” where fundamental rights—including freedom of expression, pressfreedom, and rule of law—have been systematically eroded. Allegations ofwidespread human rights violations, mass detentions, and suppression ofdissent were highlighted, challenging India’s self-proclaimed status as theworld’s largest democracy. Şahin argued that such practices underminedemocratic credentials on the global stage and demand internationalscrutiny.
The Turkish lawmaker urged the international community, particularlyWestern nations, to break their silence on the plight of Kashmiris. Hepointed to demographic changes, militarization, and restrictions onmovement as evidence of ongoing oppression, contrasting these withprinciples of self-determination enshrined in international law. By framingthe issue as a test of global conscience, Şahin sought to elevate Kashmirbeyond bilateral India-Pakistan tensions to a matter of universal humanrights and justice.
The event aligns with Türkiye’s consistent diplomatic stance on Kashmir,often articulated by President Erdoğan in international forums such as theUnited Nations General Assembly. Ankara has repeatedly called forimplementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, which providefor a plebiscite to ascertain the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Thisposition reflects Türkiye’s broader foreign policy of supporting Muslimcauses worldwide, while strengthening strategic ties with Pakistan throughdefense, economic, and parliamentary cooperation mechanisms.
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Observers note that such events bolster people-to-people contacts andreinforce the “iron brother” narrative between Islamabad and Ankara. Thepresence of high-profile figures like Şahin signals institutionalcommitment beyond rhetoric, potentially influencing future bilateralengagements. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, including regionalcounter-terrorism efforts, the solidarity expressed could translate intocoordinated advocacy at multilateral platforms.
Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach continues to emphasize peaceful resolutionthrough dialogue, while highlighting the humanitarian dimensions of thedispute. The February 5 observance, declared a public holiday in Pakistan,serves as a national reminder of unresolved grievances and galvanizespublic support for the Kashmiri cause. Events abroad, like the one inAnkara, amplify this message globally, countering narratives that downplaythe issue.
In conclusion, Ali Şahin’s address not only reaffirmed moral and spiritualalignment but also underscored the enduring strategic partnership betweenPakistan and Türkiye. As the Kashmir dispute persists without resolution,such expressions of solidarity provide diplomatic momentum and moralreinforcement for affected populations awaiting justice.
Source:https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/kashmir-solidarity-day-commemorated-in-ankara
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