Every year on October 24th, the Pakistani state of Azad Jammu Kashmir observes Founding Day as an official public holiday. This special occasion marks the region’s liberation from the Dogra regime back in 1947. Azad Kashmir operates as a self-governing territory administered by Pakistan, sitting within a broader area that has remained contested by both India and Pakistan for decades. Festivities in the capital city of Muzaffarabad officially commence with a traditional 21-gun salute and feature the regional Prime Minister raising the national flag at the main parade ground. Additionally, citizens gather in local mosques to offer special prayersfocused on Pakistan’s national prosperity and the future freedom of neighboring Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.