ISLAMABAD: Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam on Sunday led a rally in the federal capital on the occasion of Kashmir Black Day to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Addressing the rally participants at D-Chowk, Mr Muqam reminded people about October 27, 1947, when Indian forces illegally entered Jammu and Kashmir, saying “no Pakistani can forget this day”.

He honoured the courage of Kashmiris who, even after 77 years, continued their struggle for self-determination.

He also expressed his disappointment with international human rights organisations, calling on the United Nations to address what he termed genocide in Kashmir. The minister urged the UN to fulfill its commitment to resolve the Kashmir issue per its own resolutions, allowing Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

He said the recent elections in occupied Kashmir revealed the reality of India’s narrative and urged New Delhi to consider this election as a referendum against its rule.

Commending Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for raising the Kashmir and Palestine issues at the UN General Assembly in September, Engr Amir Muqam said Pakistan would continue to support Kashmir’s political, diplomatic and moral cause until Kashmiris achieved their right to self-determination.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Kashmir Committee (KC) Rana Qasim Noon urged the global institutions to uphold UN resolutions and initiate dialogue with Kashmiris, reiterating that India’s Independence Day was observed as Black Day in Kashmir as a symbol of resistance.

“Today, Pakistan observes Black Day across the country, standing in solidarity with Kashmiris,” he said, condemning countries that claim to champion human rights but remain silent on Kashmir’s suffering.

Former MNA and head of Pakistan Sweet Home Zamurud Khan emphasised Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people. “This is a message of solidarity from the people of Pakistan,” he declared.

Deputy Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Farooq Rehmani condemned the longstanding violence and human rights abuses in Kashmir. He questioned India’s legal basis for occupying Kashmir and highlighted recent election irregularities where foreign diplomats were presented as “media”.

Mushaal Hussein Mullick, wife of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, called upon the youth to play a vital role in keeping the Kashmir cause alive.

She emphasised the importance of remembering this day annually, saying, “Every Pakistani stands in solidarity on this day.”

The rally was also attended by a large number of people including students of various schools.

In Rawalpindi, seminars and a photo exhibition were held to mark the day.

Metro Bus Authority displayed banners and steamers along the routes while the metro bus stations relayed Kashmiri songs on LEDs. Black flags were also hoisted on all educational institutions and health centres.

Speech and essay writing competitions were held in schools and colleges across the district and rallies taken out to express solidarity with the Kashmiris.

A minute’s silence was observed in the ceremonies followed by sirens to highlight the national cause.

The Rawalpindi Arts Council hosted a photo exhibition depicting Indian atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The exhibition was inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Shazia Rizwan and the ceremony was attended by Punjab Arts Council Director Sajjad Hussain, Assistant Director Mohammad Suleman, Assistant Director Sarfaraz Khan and others.

A documentary showcasing the plight of unarmed Kashmiris under Indian occupation was also screened.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Aamir Khattak said observance of Black day was aimed at paying tributes to the brave martyrs of Kashmir who gave their lives to this struggle for freedom.

He said Kashmir dispute needed to be resolved through dialogues in accordance with the UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

District Education Authority and Directorate of Colleges arranged special programmes, walks, debates, convention and events in all educational institutions. Administrator Auqaf also arranged special prayers for Kashmiri martyrs.

Muzaffarabad

People from various walks of life and age groups took to the streets across major towns of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday to condemn the unlawful landing of Indian troops in Srinagar on this day in 1947, reiterating calls to the international community, especially the United Nations, to acknowledge the serious repercussions of the unresolved Kashmir issue and to act toward its prompt resolution for the sake of peace and prosperity in the South Asian region.

In Muzaffarabad, two demonstrations were held, organised by the AJK chapter of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell (JKLC) at Burhan Wani Chowk and Chattar Chowk, respectively.

The demonstrators, who included a sizable number of women and girls, were wearing black armbands, holding black flags, and carrying placards condemning India’s denial of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and the moves undermining their identity since August 5, 2019.

AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, along with leaders representing political, religious, and business organisations, addressed the demonstrators.

PHJK chief Uzair Ahmed Ghazali, who was born in Indian-occupied Kashmir, cautioned India that no matter how oppressive its measures, it cannot suppress the Kashmiris’ quest for freedom.

The participants then marched through the main road to Garhi Pan Chowk, chanting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.

Before beginning the rally, they torched the banner featuring images of Indian leaders.

A similar demonstration organised by the JKLC saw a large turnout, with prominent figures such as AJK Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Deevan Ali Chughtai and APHC leader Yousuf Nasim in attendance.

Mr Chughtai commended Pakistan for its efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue internationally.

At a separate event organised by his Sawera Foundation, Tanveerul Islam, a renowned former militant turned political activist, reminded India that despite the horrors inflicted on them, the Kashmiri people’s resolve remained unwavering.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2024