06 February 2004	Friday	14 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Feb 5: Activists of various political and religious parties and groups held rallies in different parts of the city to demonstrate solidarity with Kashmiris and deploring the alleged 'U-turn' of the government on the issue of Kashmir.

The Kashmir Day, declared as holiday by the government, was observed by a large number of people. They demonstrated solidarity with Kashmiris and demanded that the issue should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolution.

The day began with a walk led by City Nazim Naimatullah Khan in front of Sea View apartments.

The participants of the rallies, organized by the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, Pakistan People's Party, Karachi chapter, and Jamaat-i-Islami, alleged that the government had abandoned the cause of Kashmiris and trying to reach a compromise.

The speakers at seminars, organized to mark the day, termed the government policy that culminated in the Islamabad declaration a major shift in Pakistan's position to the advantage of India.

Addressing a large rally at Quaid's mausoleum, the MMA central leader Syed Munawar Hassan declared that the MMA would continue is struggle until Kashmiris were given their rights in accordance with the UN resolution. The MMA rally began from Jail Chowrangi and terminated at the mausoleum.

Mr Hassan rejected Gen Musharraf's 'U-turn' on Kashmir and alleged that he (Musharraf) had given in on Kashmir issue during his meeting with Atal Behari Vajpayee.

The MMA leader claimed that growing relations of the inter- services intelligence (ISI) with India was negatively affecting jihad, as it had started supporting Ansari group of the APHC, which was dangerous for the Kashmir cause. Mr Hassan declared support for Syed Ali Gilani instead of favouring Ansari group.

Syed Munawar Hassan pointed out that Gen Musharraf used to differentiate between jihad and terrorism in the past, but, he had forgotten it and had taken yet another U-turn.

He also took exception to PPP Parliamentarian's chief Amin Fahim's remarks that his agenda was different from the MMA and claimed that Mr Fahim's agenda was that of Gen Musharraf and the United States. He alleged that during PPP's government Sikh Movement was crushed and a list of activists was provided to India.

The MMA leader was of the view that by succumbing to a telephone call from Washington and taking U-turn on Afghanistan, Gen Musharraf was responsible for the killings of thousands of Muslims.

He also criticized Gen Musharraf and the regime on the handling of nuclear issue and initiating a vicious campaign against Dr A.Q. Khan and other scientists.

Paying tributes to these nuclear scientist, Mr Hassan said the smear campaign on the TV channels would not lower the respect of these scientists and said that government's action tantamount to placing Pakistan's nuclear capability and assets under the US control.

Syed Munawar Hassan also criticized Punjab governor for ridiculing jihadis and jihad.

NWFP's minister Sirajul Haq rejected any solution in which Kashmiris were not a party. He demanded that before any negotiations with India, New Delhi should pull out its 700,000 troops from the occupied territory and stop genocide of the Kashmiris. Other MMA and JI leaders also addressed the rally.

The city district government also staged a rally from Jail Chowrangi to Quaid's mausoleum. All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders Pervez Ahmed and Raja Khadim Hussain also participated in the rally.

Addressing the rally at the mausoleum, City Nazim Naimatullah Khan claimed that the ongoing struggle in the occupied Kashmir was linked with the survival of Pakistan.

He claimed that the government and political parties were unanimous to extend their moral support to the Kashmiri freedom fighters.

City Nazim highlighted the historical background of struggle of Kashmiris, who had sacrificed thousands of their dear ones to get the right of self-determination. He said that observing Kashmir Day throughout Pakistan meant that Kashmiris were not alone in their freedom struggle.

Pervez Ahmed said that Kashmiris were very much associated with Pakistani nation. He thanked Pakistanis for voicing solidarity towards Kashmir cause.

The APHC leader called for implementation of Islamabad's joint-declaration by India and Pakistan wherein it had been agreed by India that the Kashmir issue would be settled through dialogue.

In another rally, which began from Jehangir Park in Saddar and terminated outside the Karachi Press Club, the PPP leaders and activists criticized President Musharraf.

The participants of the rally were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans deploring Indian security forces' atrocities in the occupied territory, demanding right of self- determination for the people of Kashmir, condemning the deal on Kashmir.

They claimed that General Musharraf had no right to enter into any deal with India without taking aspirations of the 140 million people of Pakistan and Kashmiris.

PPP president, Karachi chapter, Haji Muzaffar Shujra, addressed the rally outside the KPC. He alleged that Gen Musharraf had given in on Kashmir and nuclear issues. He held the US, India and the military junta responsible for the plight of Kashmiris and vowed not to accept any solution that was not reflective of the aspirations of Kashmiris.

Anjuman Talaba-i-Islam and Islami Jamiat-i-Talaba also organized protest rallies.

Activists of IJT and ATI were carrying placards and banners inscribed with anti-India and anti-US slogans. They demanded the government not to change its stance on the held valley.