RAWALPINDI: Atrocities being faced by Kashmiris at the hands of Indian forces were highlighted through photographs at an exhibition held at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC).

The special guest of the inaugural ceremony was secretary information, All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK and Pakistan Chapter Imtiaz Wani.

While addressing participants of the exhibition, he said that freedom of Kashmir will guarantee world peace. Without the freedom of occupied Kashmir, the dream of world peace can never be fulfilled, he said, adding that the Kashmir dispute is not a power struggle, but the issue of freeing Kashmir from illegal occupation of India.

Till date, millions of Kashmiris have laid down their lives for the freedom movement, he said, adding that Kashmiris have only one demand that they should be given the right to self-determination.

We are determined to bring the freedom movement of Kashmir to its logical conclusion, he added. Director of the arts council Waqar Ahmad said that the entire nation of Pakistan stands with Kashmiris.

Indian oppression cannot suppress the spirit of Kashmiris, he said, adding that every Kashmiri loves Pakistan immensely.

The nation reiterates its moral, diplomatic and political commitment towards the people of Kashmir.

He said that we pay tribute to the people of Kashmir and their sacrifices will not be in vain.

Before the photo exhibition, a solidarity walk was organised from Murree Road to the arts council, in which a large number of students including members of the civil society participated.

Tableaus, speeches and Kashmiri song competitions were organised in collaboration with All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Eagle Public School scored the first position, Aims School System was second, Al Farooq Public School was third while Green Valley School came in fourth in the tableau competition.

Masooma, Tahnia Abid, Sahar Fatima and Sair bagged the first, second, third and fourth positions respectively in the speech competitions.

In the singing competitions, Mobeena came first, Shayan was second, Ayesha was third and Iman Fatima was fourth. A large number of schools and students from neighbouring cities participated in the competitions.

Meanwhile, the main function of the Rawalpindi Division regarding Kashmir Solidarity Day was held at Viqarun Nisa Post Graduate College with Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha as the chief guest.

The event was attended by administrative officers, teachers, students and people from different walks of life in large numbers.

A minute’s silence was observed in the ceremony to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

The students presented Kashmiri songs and tableaus in which Indian atrocities and the freedom spirit of the Kashmiri people were presented.

Mr Chattha said that the hearts of Pakistanis are with the Kashmiri people and on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, the entire Pakistani nation has given a message to the people of occupied Kashmir that they support the Kashmiri people at every forum.

He said that Indian oppression in India-held Kashmir is a challenge for the international community, adding that rallies have been organised besides photo exhibitions and documentaries in Rawalpindi and Murree Art Council.

He said that people belonging to all walks of life have expressed their heart-felt connection and deep love with the Kashmiri people and have sent a message to the whole world that they are aware of the sufferings of Kashmiris.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2023