‘Kashmir an integral part of Pakistan’

Published February 6, 2015
A Kashmiri artist presents traditional songs during a ceremony held to mark Kashmir Day at Lok Virsa. — Online
A Kashmiri artist presents traditional songs during a ceremony held to mark Kashmir Day at Lok Virsa. — Online

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Speakers at rallies, seminars and cultural shows organised all over the twin cities to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day on Thursday, criticised the Indian state for its brutalities against the people of Kashmir. Indian-held Kashmir was referred to as an “integral part of Pakistan and speakers called for the Pakistani government to raise the issue at international forums.

In the federal capital, Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) took out a rally from Zero Point which made its way to Aabpara Chowk. Leaders and workers of various groups and parties participated in the rally.

JuD central leader Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki criticised the United States for its callousness towards human rights violations in Kashmir. “If Delhi does not give Kashmiris their due rights, then no restriction can stop us from coming to the aid of our brothers,” he said.

Various speakers highlighted the disputed status of Kashmir and criticised India for violating United Nations Security Council resolutions.


On Kashmir Solidarity Day, speakers demand right to self-determination for people of Kashmir


Hardliners such as Maulana Fazal ur Rehman Khalil of Ansarul Ummah called for breaking of all trading ties with India until the resolution of the Kashmir issue. Former jihadist, Maulana Khalil said “If the infidels of the world are not ready to resolve this issue then we should find a solution ourselves.”

Jamaat-i-Islami Naib Amir Mian Aslam, retired General Hamid Gul, representatives of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, traders union leader Ajmal Baloch and others addressed the rally.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-i- Islami formed a human chain at Karachi Company to show solidarity with Kashmiris.

Speaking at a seminar, organised at the National Press Club, All Party Hurriyat Confrence leader, Abdullah Gillani, said the Indian government is attempting to change the demographics of the Kashmir by settling Hindu families in the valley. “A resolution should be passed in the parliament to denounce India’s evil designs,” he said.

Sardar Khalid Ibrahim, president of Jammu Kashmir People’s Party criticized the role of Chairman Kashmir Council Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman. “We request him to voluntarily tender his resignation,” he said.

Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) representatives and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MNAs Khwaja Sohail and Iqbal Muhammad Ali also spoke at the occasion.

Rallies and cultural events were also organised in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) took out a rally from Marrir Chowk to Liaquat Bagh with over 300 JI workers and supporters participating. JI Spokesman Amirul Azeem, JI Rawalpindi Chapter Amir Shamsur Rehman Swati and others led the rally.

Slogans such as “Al-Jihad, Al Jihad Bharat ka aik ilaj (Holy Jihad, the only way to deal with India)”, “India ka jo yar ha ghadaar hia (India’s friends are traitors)” were raised by JI workers.

The number of participants multiplied by the time the rally reached Liaquat Bagh, causing a traffic jam in the area. Speakers at the rally urged human rights activists to urge Indian forces to stop their brutalities against the people of Kashmir. They urged the government to raise the issue at international forums.

“The United Nations and developed countries have double standards where they supported self determination in East Timor but kept silent on Kashmir despite a UN resolution,” said JI spokesman Amirul Azeem.

He said Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan and will soon be included in the map of the country.

Sunni Tehreek leaders brought out separate rallies at Sadiqabad and Lal Kurti, with over 100 participants. Speakers said “anti-Muslim” states are collaborating against Muslims. They said that as Muslims, it is the duty of every Pakistanis to help Kashmiris.

Pakistan Railways Workers Union also arranged a rally and seminar at the railway workshops demanding the right of self determination for Kashmiris.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) arranged a tableau and Kashmiri song competition, where students from both private and public sector institutions participated.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2015

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