PESHAWAR: People belonging to different walks of life observed Kashmir Solidarity Day across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday with a renewed commitment to support the just struggle of Kashmiris for their inalienable right to self-determination.

To show their support for the residents of India-held Kashmir, people including traders, players, social activists, students, government employees and others held rallies and demonstrations to infuse new spirit into Kashmiris, who have long been fighting for their birth right of freedom.

They raised voice for the right of self-determination of Kashmiris and said that they should be granted their birth right to decide about their destiny according to the spirit of internationally-acknowledged UN resolutions.

In Peshawar, the main event was held under the aegis of provincial government. A big protest demonstration was taken out from Chief Minister Secretariat up to Governor’s House.

The participants of the rally, jointly led by Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and Information Minister Feroz Jamal Kakakhel, were holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans against illegal annexation of Kashmir by India.

Condemn Indian state terrorism; international community urged to implement UN resolutions

They condemned state terrorism and violation of human rights in India-held Kashmir and urged international community to implement UN resolutions.

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar (SBBWU) also arranged discussions, speeches and creative expressions in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The students of the university voiced concerns over the plight of Kashmiris and stressed the need for global attention towards their miseries.

An art exhibition and on the spot contest provided a visual representation of the Kashmir issue. Students displayed their creativity through painting, offering diverse perspectives on the conflict.

Prof M Naeem Qazi, the director of Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, and SBBWU Vice-chancellor Prof Safia Ahmed shed light on the Kashmir issue.

The employees of Pakistan Railways also held a rally, headed by divisional superintendent Maqsood Ahmad Jan, to show solidarity with Kashmiris.

Traders also organised a demonstration at Nothia Chowk to express solidarity with Kashmiris. Tajir Ittehad president Muhibur Rehman led the demonstration.

A cycle race was organised by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cycling Association to mark the day. The cyclists covered a distance of 48 kilometres from Mardan to Peshawar. Cricketer Fakhar Zaman and Mardan DSO Saeed Akhtar inaugurated the race.

A walk was held under the auspices of sports and youth office of Khyber district in Peshawar. The sportsmen of Khyber participated in the walk.

The district administration, sports office and youth office of Khyber also organised various programmes to mark the day. In this regard, a national solidarity walk was organised from Jamrud tehsil to Bab-i-Khyber and a photo exhibition was organised at Jamrud Sports Complex.

Rescue 1122 held a special walk to show solidarity with Kashmiris.

Peshawar Directorate General of Law and Human Rights also arranged an event to show solidarity with Kashmiris.

Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, also organised an event to show solidarity with Kashmiris. Students presented skits and national anthems highlighting the plight of Kashmiris.

In Haripur, district administration and Jamaat-i-Islami held separate rallies to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The rally organised by the district administration started from Chowk Sheranwala Gate and ended at Chowk Sidique-i-Akbar.

Jamaat-i-Islami held a car and motorcycle rally, which started from Chowk Sheranwala Gate and terminated at Shah Maqsood. JI district emir Ghazan Iqbal Khan led the rally.

An event was also held at University of Haripur that was attended by students of different departments and nearby schools. The students staged a walk on the premises of the university.

In Swabi, various gatherings and walks were held to mark the day.

Women University Swabi arranged English and Urdu essay writing as well as a video competition among students on the occasion. A walk was held at the university.

In Lower Dir, district administration in collaboration with the youth affairs and sports departments arranged a function to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Officials of government departments, civil defence volunteers, teachers, students, media representatives, human rights’ activists and local elders attended the function.

In Malakand, Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed with enthusiasm.

A rally was taken out from the office of assistant commissioner. The rally culminated at press club. The participants of the rally were carrying Kashmiri flags. They chanted slogans in support of Kashmiris.

In Bajaur, the day was observed with the pledge to continue supporting the people of India-held Kashmir in their fight for self-determination.

In this regard, a rally was arranged by the district administration in Civil Colony, Khar. Officials of district administration and different line departments besides local elders participated in the rally.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2024