RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Walks, seminar and other events were held in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and nearby areas to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day on Monday.

Moreover, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) reiterated its support to the struggle of Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination.

In a statement, a PTI spokesperson said Indian forces had forcibly occupied Jammu and Kashmir since 76 years ago without any moral, legal or constitutional justifications.

He said the worst spate of violations of human rights and barbarism unleashed by Indian occupation forces still continued to quell the dissenting voices in held Kashmir.

“The ongoing state terrorism and inhuman actions by Indian forces further intensified the freedom struggle instead of dampening the courage and spirit of the people of the scenic valley.”

He recalled that the world community was well aware of the fact that India was involved in state terrorism, extrajudicial killings of innocent Kashmiris and curbs on freedom of expression.

He said over one million Indian troops stationed in held Kashmir had converted the occupied valley into world’s largest prison, but despite all these atrocities and state terrorism, the Kashmiri people were determined to breaking the shackles of Indian slavery soon.

He said the Indian unilateral action of August 5 was reflective of its RSS-inspired thinking and Hindutva ideology.

He called upon the UN to play its role in ensuring India’s compliance with its international obligations to resolve the decades-long dispute as per aspirations of the people of the valley.

In Rawalpindi, scores of rallies, public meetings and seminars were held to draw world’s attention to the grave human rights violations and brutalities committed by the Indian troops against the people of held Kashmir. Candidates of the national and provincial assemblies converted their election-related meetings into Kashmir day gatherings.

A rally was taken by PML-N candidate in NA-57 Daniyal Chaudhry on Murree Road. The participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of the Kashmiri people and against Indian forces.

Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) organised a walk from Committee Chowk to Liaquat Bagh which was attended by people from all walks of life.

District Education Authority (DEA) also organised a series of ceremonies and seminars in which the participants expressed their solidarity with theKashmiris who have been fighting Indian troops for freedom.

A rally was held by Rawalpindi Arts Council which also arranged a photographic exhibition.

Addressing the rally, RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said, “We strongly condemn human rights violations and atrocities committed by India in illegally occupied Kashmir and salute the struggle and determination of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination.”

Rallies in Gilgit-Baltistan

Protest rallies in Gilgit, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Astore, Diamer, Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang and Ghanche marked the day in Gilgit-Baltistan. The participants denounced Indian brutality in Kashmir and expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

Speakers on the occasion demanded international human rights organisations to take notice of the rights abuses in held Kashmir. They also asked the United Nations to settle the Kashmir issue in accordance with its resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiris.

Rallies were taken out in the Gilgit city that culminated at Gadibagh. People from different walks of life participated in the rallies. The participants were holding banners inscribed with slogans against the Indian occupation of Kashmir.

In a message, GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed their solidarity with the Kashmiri people and appealed to the international community to take notice of the Indian atrocities. They said the people of GB would continue supporting the Kashmiris in their struggle for freedom.

CAA and NHMP observe day

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) observed the day by displaying banners and pamphlets inscribed with slogans advocating for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

The banners, pamphlets and flags were displayed at airports in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta. Moreover, pamphlets were distributed among travellers while a one minute’s silence was observed in solidarity with Kashmiris.

Likewise, theNational Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP0 arranged rallies and seminars in all its zones. The officers and employees paid respect and tribute to their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

The sacrifices of the people of Kashmir and the freedom movement can never be forgotten, IGP Suleman Chaudhry said in a statement.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2024