PESHAWAR: Rallies and walks were held in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan on Wednesday to condemn the atrocities of Indian security forces in India-held Kashmir and expressed solidarity with innocent Kashmiris.

In Peshawar, a rally was taken out from Chief Minister Secretariat that was led by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. The rally ended at Governor’s House.

Provincial ministers Shaukat Yousafzai, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Fazal Shakoor Khan, Arif Ahmadzai, politicians of occupied Kashmir, government officials and civil society members participated in the rally.

The participants of the rally were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the barbarism and oppression of India.

Kashmir Black Day observed in KP and GB

The chief minister, on the occasion, told journalists that October 27, 1947 was one of the darkest days of human history, which marked the beginning of Indian forces’ brutalities and atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that Kashmiri people had been victims of Indian state terrorism for the last seven decades. He said that government and people of Pakistani always extended full support to the freedom struggle of Kashmiris.

The chief minister called upon the United Nations and human rights organisations to take notice of Indian atrocities. He said Kashmiri people must be given the right of self-determination.

Meanwhile, the students of various educational institutions participated in a walk and photo exhibition organised by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) to mark the Kashmir Black Day.

The exhibition displayed pictures of innocent Kashmiri women and children killed and maimed by the Indian forces. Besides KPCTA Director Yousaf Ali, General Manager Tourism Sajjad Hameed and others attended the event.

“We are observing the Kashmir Black Day to condemn Indian illegal occupation and to reiterate our unwavering support to the Kashmiri people,” said Yousaf Ali.

The students also organised a walk in support of Kashmiri people besides arranging photo exhibition and tableaus to expose the Indian state terrorism.

In Bajaur, Kashmir Black Day was observed with the pledge to continue moral support of the people of India-held Jammu and Kashimir.

Several events and walks were held in various areas and educational institutions. Besides various political and religious organisations and educational institutions, the district administration also arranged a walk in Civil Colony Khar to mark the day.

In Mansehra, a rally led by Deputy Commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan was taken out from tehsil municipal administration office. Holding banners and placards, the participants of the rally marched through Kashmir and Abbottabad roads.

In Lower Kohistan, the rally was led by Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam. The participants of the rally chanted slogans against the Indian occupation.

In Upper Kohistan, a rally led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Zakir Hussain marched through various roads.

In Lakki Marwat, education department with support of Boys Scouts Association and district administration marked the day to show solidarity with the people of India-held Kashmir.

In Kohat, the rally was attended by students, traders, elders, civil society members and government officials. Holding placards and banners, they expressed solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren and condemned Indian state terrorism.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, rallies were held in all districts of the region including Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang and Ghanche.

GB Assembly members, workers of political parties and civil society members participated in the rallies. The participants of the rallies were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans against India.

Speakers on the occasion appealed to international community to take concrete steps to end Indian illegal occupation of Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2021