GUJRAT: Scores of people from Gujrat and Bhimbher district of Azad Kashmir region made a long human chain to express solidarity with the India-held Kashmir at the border of Punjab and Kashmir on Wednesday.

The people from both sides, including lawmakers, officials of respective administrations and civil society, gathered at Bab-i-Kashmir, a monument dividing the Punjab and Kashmir border.

The participants reached there in different rallies and processions from across the region while carrying flags of Pakistan and AJK, banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the Indian atrocities and unjustified occupation on Jammu and Kashmir region.

Gujrat and Bhimbher deputy commissioners Safdar Virk and Mirza Arshad Jarral, respectively, Bhimbher district council chairman Chaudhry Yousaf, parliamentarians Naseer Abbas Sidhu, Chaudhry Ilyas and Abdullah Yousaf, Gujrat District Police Officer Dr Mustansar Atta Bajwa, Bhimbher SSP Muhammad Ameen and others were also present on the occasion.

The flags of Pakistan and AJK were also hoisted at Bab-i-Kashmir.

The participants joined hands to make a one-kilometre long human chain whereas a one-minute silence was also observed in solidarity with the Kashmiris.

Saplings were planted in the border area. Pigeons and balloons were also released into the air whereas national anthems of Pakistan and AJK were also played.

Speaking to the participants, the elected representatives from both sides vowed to continue to strive for the freedom of Kashmir.

Meanwhile, an all party conference was hosted by the Gujrat chapter of Jamaat-i-Islami at the Islamic Centre in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day which was attended by the local representatives of different political parties as well as the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, bar association, traders and doctors.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2025