Muzaffarabad: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) celebrated its 77th Founding Day with ceremonies and a renewed pledge to continue the struggle for the liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The annual commemoration marks AJK’s liberation from the Dogra regime on October 24, 1947, and the day was observed as a public holiday across the region.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the day began with a 21-gun salute in Muzaffarabad, and prayers were offered in mosques throughout the state for Pakistan’s prosperity and the early liberation of IIOJK. Flag-hoisting ceremonies took place at district and divisional headquarters, with the central event held at Prade Ground in Muzaffarabad. President AJK Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry and Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq led the main function, hoisting the national flag as the anthems of Pakistan and AJK played.

Addressing the gathering, President Chaudhry and Prime Minister Haq expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its continuous political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri cause. They announced that protests would be held on the upcoming Black Day to expose the ongoing situation in IIOJK and to protest alleged state actions.