MANSEHRA: The Afghan refugees settled at Khaki camp staged a rally here on Tuesday to express solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren.

The participants of the rally, taken out from the camp, assembled in Khaki following marching through Pulrah Road. The Afghan nationals including schoolchildren raised slogans in support of Pakistan Army and against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We want an end to genocide of Kashmiris in Indi-held Kashmir. The international community should join hands to ensure plebiscite in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” an elderly Afghan told the rally.

Another rally to express solidarity with Kashmiris was taken out in the city that was attended by people from all walks of life.

The participants of the rally marched through various roads and chanted slogans in support of armed forces and against Indian government.

Rallies in different districts condemn Indian atrocities

The students and teachers of Hazara University also staged a rally to express solidarity with Kashmiris. The rally, led by Vice-chancellor Munzoor Hussain Shah, passed through various roads and culminated outside the central mosque.

In Swabi, primary schools on Tuesday observed Kashmir Solidarity Day ahead of schedule because high and higher secondary schools have arranged various programmes to mark the day on Wednesday (today).

An event was held in Topi wherein the officials and students spoke about the strategic importance Kashmir for Pakistan, principles of partition, annexation of Kashmir by India and continued brutalities of Indian forces in the occupied valley.

Assistant Commissioner Mehran Khan and the assistant district education officer, Iftikharul Ghani, and other officials were also present on the occasion.

A walk was also held. The participants of the walk were holding placards and banners inscribed with different slogans to demand solution to the Kashmir issue.

In Charsadda, a rally was held at Bacha Khan University to express solidarity with people India-held Kashmir.

The participants of the rally, holding placards and banner, chanted slogans against the Modi government. The rally was led by the registrar of the university, Syed Arif Hussian Shah.

In Bajaur, the people of Mamond tehsil pledged to stand with their Kashmiri brethren in their fight for self-determination.

They made the pledge during a rally held in Sewi Town of War Mamond. People from all walks of life attended the rally in a large number. The rally was organised by PTI Nazriati group. The participants of the rally, led by PTI Nazriati group leaders including its president Najeebullah Hilal, were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the India government.

They asked the international community to play due role in early settlement of the Kashmir dispute according to the UN resolutions.

Meanwhile, a meeting presided over by Deputy Commissioner Usman Mehsud decided to observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day across the district by organising rallies and functions on Wednesday.

In Lakki Marwat, the local administration finalised arrangements to observe Kashmir Solidarity day on Wednesday with national zeal.

In this connection Assistant Commissioner Nadir Shahzad Khan chaired a meeting at his office that was attended by TMO Almar Khan, ADO sports Nisar Mohammad, head of civil society organisation Abdul Hameed Khan Meenakhel and others.

The meeting was informed that all arrangements were finalised to take out rallies and hold functions in different parts of the district. The assistant commissioner directed municipal officials to fix and display banners at prominent places and important roads in major towns of the district to highlight plight of the oppressed Kashmiri people.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2020