ISLAMABAD: In order to express solidarity with the people of India-held Jammu and Kashmir, various departments of the Ministry of Education, particularly schools and colleges, observed the Kashmir Solidarity Day on Sunday.

Cultural shows, book fairs, walks, tableaus, awareness sessions, musical shows, arts, essay writing and debate competitions were held in public and private educational institutes in Islamabad to engage students and provide them with a platform to express their opinions and ideas on the current situation in Kashmir.

The day is marked by various activities and events to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict and human rights violations in Kashmir occupied by India.

Federal Minister for Education Rana Tanveer Hussain in his statement said: “On this day of solidarity we vowed that we will stand with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and fight for their freedom until they get their right of self-determination”.

Though there was an official holiday, many schools and colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) organised functions to mark the day.

Similarly, Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) organised multiple activities which included a solidarity walk, an interactive session with youth and a panel discussion.

Meanwhile, Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) also held functions to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

As part of the celebrations, solidarity walks were organised by the institutions under the umbrella of Ministry of Education.

The National Book Foundation in collaboration with National Skills University (NSU) organised a books festival at NSU to spread awareness through literature. Kashmir cultural festivals were also held at the National College of Arts (NCA) and various schools and colleges in Islamabad, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region through music, performances and traditional cuisines.

Allama Iqbal Open University also held seminars and walks in the main and regional campuses while Quaid-i-Azam University organised a walk on the campus to express solidarity with Kashmiris and condemn the brutalities if Indian armed forces.

Roots International and Roots Millennium schools along with various other private schools also held walks and cultural shows to commemorate the day and raise awareness about the issue.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2023