Qazi Mizan: The Kashmir Solidarity Day is being observed today to express wholehearted support of the Pakistani nation to the just struggle of Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination under United Nations resolutions.

The day is also being marked to expose worst ever oppression being perpetrated by Indian occupation forces against Kashmiris in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The day dawned with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, eternal peace for the souls of the martyrs of Kashmir freedom movement and early liberation of Jammu and Kashmir from the Indian occupation. One minute silence will be observed at 10:00 am across the country.

Solidarity walks were held in Islamabad, Muzafarabad, Gilgit and in four provincial headquarters. Human chains were formed at KohalaBridge, ManglaBridge and Rawalakot.

On account of the Kashmir Solidarity Day, various public and private organizations are holding special events across the country, to show unwavering support to the Kashmiris for their right to self-determination.

Rallies, public meetings, and seminars are being held to draw attention of the world community towards grave human rights violations and brutalities against innocent Kashmiris by the Indian occupational forces.

The banners highlighting the plight of innocent Kashmiris have been put on display at all important points and roads in twin cities like other parts of the country.

The Education Department has organised special programmes in educational institutions to draw the attention towards the Kashmir issue which could not be settled despite the clear-cut resolutions in favour of innocent people of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference will stage a protest in front of the United Nations Office in Islamabad and present a memorandum to fulfill its promise made on Kashmir in 1948, and also highlight the Indian atrocities committed against innocent Kashmiris.

The Cross Route Club (CRC) kicked-off its Kashmir Solidarity Day event, planned in the similar way as the previous years, with the 11th Kashmir Day Tour to make the longest Human Chain on ManglaBridge. The tour participants gathered on February 4 at Muridke and departed for Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. The ceremony for the chain was conducted today.

The Senate of Pakistan held a thorough debate on the Kashmir issue on Friday to highlight the plight of people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), expressing complete solidarity with them.

The Upper House has also planned to hold a sitting in Muzaffarabad during the current session.

The Directorate of Sports, Culture and Tourism Capital Development Authority / Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad has also planned several activities on Kashmir Solidarity Day in the capital.

According to MCI’s Focal Person Dr M Abdullah Tabassum, the directorate planned these functions to strengthen the bond and reiterate the message that “We, the Pakistani nation, are with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, and are wholly dedicated for their freedom.” The first function in line was an art competition for kids on February 4, at the Arts and CraftVillage. Children from all schools participated in this contest where they made sketch, paintings, delivered speeches and took part in the quiz designed for this important day.

A huge human kids flag was formed at the Arts and CraftVillage in which school going children volunteered and played their part.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat and senior officials of the directorate graced these events.

Like other parts of Pakistan, the arrangements have been made in Rawalpindi division including Rawalpindi city to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5 to reiterate complete solidarity with the brethren of IIOJK state.

The bleeding occupied Valley has been turned into the world’s largest prison following imprisonment of the people protesting against the nefarious Indian action under the shadow of guns of occupying forces.

The arrangements were also made to observe the Day in Lahore with traditional zeal and fervor. LahoreMuseum has arranged numerous activities with reference to this day. An exhibition titled “Arts & Crafts of Kashmir” showcasing the Kashmiri cultural artifacts is open for visitors from 3rd to 15th February. Whereas today, a virtual lecture will be delivered by the museum on Arts and Crafts of Kashmir over Facebook, besides a documentary on Kashmir on the museum’s LCD screen will be screened.

The people and the government of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir observe the Solidarity Day every year not only to renew their love and affection with the people of IIOJK but also to reiterate their commitment and dedication to the liberation of the occupied territory from the Indian subjugation. Pakistan Television, Radio Pakistan and other TV channels are broadcasting special programmes to express solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJK and highlight the human rights violations by Indian troops in the occupied territory.