LAHORE, Feb 2: The Kashmir Day is being observed with full vigour at official level to give an impression to the world that despite a ban on certain jihadi outfits Pakistan fully support Kashmiris struggling to get their right to self-determination.

According to official sources on Saturday, elaborate programmes and events were being made at the government level to observe the day and to reaffirm Pakistan’s support to the Kashmir cause and solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people.

In the Punjab, public rallies and solidarity walks would be arranged in all the cities under the patronage of the government. There would be declamation contests in schools and colleges. Banners would be put up on roads to mark the day in a befitting manner.

The main rallies in all the cities would be led by their respective district Nazims and participated in by religious leaders, children and people from all walks of life.

It would be a closed holiday and the day would start with special prayers at all major mosques in the province for the liberation of Kashmir, integrity and solidarity of Pakistan and the welfare of the Muslim Ummat. The nation would observe a minute’s silence at 10am.

Human chains would be formed at three main bridges in Rawalpindi, Mansehra and Jhelum divisions connecting Pakistan with Azad Kashmir. Ministers of the Azad Kashmir and Punjab governments would attend the functions at the bridges.

In Lahore, a main rally would be taken out from the Nasser Bagh to Faisal Square. It would be led by District Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood, school and college students, teachers, social workers, religious figures and others.

Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool would attend a declamation contest among college students at Alhamra.

The entire city especially The Mall would be decorated with banners and buntings inscribed with slogans in favour of the Kashmir cause and Kashmiris demanding settlement of the dispute in a just and peaceful manner.

The official sources said there would be no ban on any political party to take out any rally or procession on the day to show solidarity with Kashmiris. But the parties or groups recently banned by the president would not be allowed to take to the roads in any manner.

Meanwhile, the police authorities have started preparing for the event. According to them, there will be adequate security arrangements to protect the people and to guard against any untoward incident.

The police in anti-riot gear will remain present on all major roads and streets in Lahore but they will not stop anybody from showing solidarity with Kashmiris in a peace manner.

The police will also be detailed at all important buildings and places.