LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday laid a floral wreath at a symbolic martyrs of Kashmir memorial at Liberty Chowk to pay tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiris.

A symbolic moment of silence was also observed during the event.

A special picture wall was displayed at Liberty Chowk, featuring images related to Kashmir. Billboards honouring the martyrs of Kashmir’s freedom movement were installed around the Liberty Chowk roundabout.

A symbolic jail was also set up with images of Kashmiri leaders and martyrs behind bars highlighting atrocities committed by Indian forces.

A special song produced by ISPR for Kashmir Solidarity Day was also played during the event.

“Love for Kashmir runs like blood in the heart of every Pakistani. We pay tribute to Kashmiri martyrs who sacrificed their lives to keep the flame of self-determination burning,” the CM said.

She urged the United Nations and other international organisations to play their role to stop the ongoing bloodshed and human rights violations in Kashmir.

“Until the Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions, lasting peace in the region will remain a dream.”

The PML-N also held a Kashmir rally, led by Khwaja Saad Rafique, on Walton Road.

Speaking on the occasion, Rafique said the world stood in recognition of the Kashmiri people’s struggle.

“Kashmir is Pakistan’s lifeline — a status that Quaid-i-Azam himself declared. For over eight decades, Kashmiris have endured oppression and brutality. Wars between Pakistan and India have been fought over Kashmir, with countless sacrifices from the people of this region.It is impossible for India to enslave the Kashmiri people forever. Every human being is born free, and Kashmir will not remain in chains,” he said.

He criticised Pakistan’s Parliamentary Kashmir Committee, stating that it had failed to play its due role.

“Pakistan needs a permanent Kashmir Committee with an independent secretariat that works round the clock.”

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2025