Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed on Wednesday throughout Pakistan and Azad Kashmir to express wholehearted support to the just struggle of Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination under the UN resolutions, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Wednesday was a public holiday as rallies were organised, human chains were formed and one-minute silence was observed to mark the day.
Pakistan observed a one-minute silence at 10:00 am on Kashmir Solidarity Day, expressing unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s decades-long struggle against Indian oppression.
The moment of silence was observed followed by a solidarity walk took place from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Parliament House, accompanied by the blaring of sirens. The walk was attended by political leaders, students, journalists, and people from various walks of life.
In connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day, a massive rally was taken out from Foreign Office to D-Chowk in Islamabad.
The participants raised full-throated slogans in support of Kashmiri people. They were also carrying banners highlighting Indian atrocities against Kashmiri people.
Addressing the rally, Acting Senate Chairman Syedaal Khan said Pakistan has always extended moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people.
Minister for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik condemned Indian barbarism and atrocities in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan will continue to raise voice against blatant human rights violations in the occupied territory. He said the Kashmiri people want freedom from India.
Chairman Kashmir Committee Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon called for resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
Deputy Convener APHC AJK Chapter Farooq Rehmani thanked Pakistani leadership and people for always extending firm support to Kashmiri people.
Posters and billboards were displayed around important avenues, airports, and railway stations to highlight the plight of Kashmiri people and expose Indian atrocities.
In Muzaffarabad, the Special Session of AJK Legislative Assembly was held to express solidarity with the oppressed people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir.
Human chains were formed at Mangla, Kohala, Bararkot, Azad Pattan, and Holar linking Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
In Mirpur, a function in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day was arranged at Mangla Bridge.
Similar functions were also held in Kotli and Bhimber districts.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for the Kashmiri people's legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination.
In his televised message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, the minister highlighted that the implementation on UN Security Council resolutions has been delayed due to Indian intransigence.
He called on the international community to honour its commitments to the Kashmiri people. He emphasized that the Kashmir dispute remains close to the hearts of the Pakistani people, and Pakistan will continue to stand by its Kashmiri brothers and sisters until they achieve their right to self-determination.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in his message on Kashmir Solidarity Day that every Pakistani stand with the Kashmiri people, and the Pakistani nation expresses complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
Interior Minister said that Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein, and Pakistan supports the legitimate rights of its Kashmiri brothers on every forum. He stated that India’s illegal occupation is a hindrance to the freedom of the Kashmiri people.
Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan wants a solution to the Kashmir issue through the United Nations, and the Pakistani government and people will continue to provide political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris. He further said that Pakistan will always be part of their struggle by becoming their voice.
The Interior Minister emphasized that the Kashmiris have the right to decide their own future. He stressed that the Kashmir issue is not only a problem for the Kashmiris but for the entire region, and without resolving the Kashmir dispute, the dream of sustainable peace in the region cannot become a reality.
In his televised message, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar strongly condemned the atrocities committed by India in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will not be in vain.
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, expressing his belief that the day is not far when their dream will be realized. He said Pakistan will never backtrack from its principled position on Kashmir dispute.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam said the aim of observing Kashmir Solidarity Day is to send a message that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and to highlight Indian atrocities in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister for Power Awais Leghari said Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is the most militarized zone in the world where humanity is being murdered. He said Pakistan will continue to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day until the Kashmiri people get the right to self-determination.
Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sana Ullah Khan said the world community should raise voice for the oppressed people of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said India should be compelled to accept the right of self-determination of Kashmiri people.