ISLAMABAD: Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed on Friday throughout Pakistan and Azad Kashmir to draw attention of the world community towards the plight of Kashmiris and to support their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

Rallies, seminars and other functions were organised by different organisations and political parties to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir and human chains were formed at different entry points of AJK, including Mangla, Kohala, Dhalkot, Azad Pattan, Bhimbher, Holar and Brar Kot.

A one-minute silence was observed at 10am to pay homage to martyrs of Kashmir and special prayers were held at mosques for the success of liberation movement.

The main event of the day, which was a public holiday, was special joint session of the Kashmir Council and AJK Legislative Assembly which was addressed by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Public meetings were also held in other districts and towns of Azad Kashmir like Mirpur, Bhimbher, Kotli, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveeli, Palandri, Hattiyan, and Neelam Valley in support of Kashmiris’ struggle.

A large number of people led by PML-N MNA Chudhary Khadim Hussain along with former member Punjab Assembly Chudhary Nadeem Khadim gathered at the Mangla bridge to express solidarity with the people of India-held Kashmir.

Mr Hussain said: “The hearts of the people of Pakistan and Kashmir beat in unison.”

Pakistan would continue its moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

Speakers called upon India to immediately stop human rights violations in held Kashmir and give the right of freedom to the people of Kashmiris according to the UN Charter.

A group of motorcyclists from Multan reached the Mangla bridge to join the human chain.

In Karachi, the directorate of human rights organised a walk to mark the day. The walk started from the Sindh Secretariat and concluded at Karachi Press Club.

The Sindh Workers Welfare Board also organised a programme to express solidarity with Kashmiri brethren.

In Attock, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, while addressing a function in Jinnah Hall, deplored that India continued to violate human rights in Kashmir and brutalise Kashmiris there.

He said Pakistan would never waver from its principled stance on Kashmir.

In Bahawalpur, processions were taken out by various organisations, including Anjuman-i-Tajran Bahawalpur.

A book exhibition was held at Central Library in which pamphlets and books on the topic of struggle for Kashmir freedom were put on display.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2016