The whole nation will observe Kashmir Solidarity Day in a befitting manner on Tuesday (today), renewing its pledge to continue extending all possible support to the people of Indian-held Kashmir who are struggling for more than seven decades to get their legitimate right to self-determination.
This year, the day is being observed in Pakistan and other parts of the world at a time when Indian atrocities in the occupied valley have reached a new level of oppression and denial of human rights in an attempt to crush the indigenous freedom movement against the occupying forces.
The Foreign Office on Monday said millions of people are protesting in different parts of the world including Athens, Rome and other cities to show solidarity with the Kashmiris. In a tweet, Spokesperson Dr Faisal said the protests are aimed at highlighting the human rights violations being committed by the Indian occupation forces in the occupied valley.
All the arrangements have been finalized to observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day in a befitting manner and send a loud and clear message to the world that the hearts of Pakistanis and Kashmiris throb in unison. It will be a public holiday in the country.
One-minute silence will be observed at 10am to pay homage to Kashmiri martyrs
On the day, President Arif Alvi will address session of the AJK Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad. He will also address a function in the federal capital in the evening.
Human chains will be formed at Kohala, Mangla, Holar and Azad Pattan points linking Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. In the federal capital, people belonging to different strata of society will form a human chain at D-Chowk to express solidarity with their oppressed Kashmiri brethren. One-minute silence will be observed at 10.00 am to pay homage to the martyrs of the liberation struggle of the occupied valley.
Rallies, public meetings and seminars will be held across the country including Azad Kashmir to draw attention of the world community towards grave human rights violations and brutalities against innocent Kashmiris by the Indian security forces.
This time around, events have also been organized in London to effectively project humanitarian aspects of the lingering Kashmir dispute at the world level. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is already in the British capital to attend the international conference on Kashmir being held at the British Parliament. The foreign minister will also meet British members of the parliament and other senior government officials and discuss with them matters of bilateral interest besides highlighting Pakistan’s principled stand on Kashmir.
Talking to journalists upon arrival at the London airport, Qureshi underscored the need to resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue. The minister said he will present Pakistan’s viewpoint on Kashmir at the international conference. He also urged the international community to take notice of Indian atrocities in the occupied valley.
In connection with the day, Radio Pakistan will broadcast a special marathon transmission. Different aspects of Kashmir dispute will be discussed while Kashmiri songs, promos, live reports and interviews of prominent personalities will also be broadcast during the transmission.
Published in Daily Times, February 5th 2019.
