RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has directed the divisional administration of Rawalpindi to make arrangements for observing August 5 as Youm-i-Istehsal-i-Kashmir.

On August 5, 2019, the Narendra Modi-led Indian government revoked the special status of the Muslim-majority territory by repealing Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and splitting the former state into two union territories directly governed by New Delhi.

The divisional administration has asked all departments, educational institutions and the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) to make arrangements and facilitate the public in organising seminars, exhibitions and events to highlight Indian aggression in India-held Jammu and Kashmir.

Commissioner Rawalpindi Aamer Khattak chaired a review meeting regarding the arrangements for August 5 and directed all concerned departments to observe the day with full zeal and enthusiasm.

The meeting, held at the Rawalpindi Commissioner’s Office, was attended in person by Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, the Director of the Arts Council and officials from various departments.

The Deputy Commissioners of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree participated via video link.

Commissioner Khattak stated that the objective is to highlight this exploitation at the international level. He added that the voice of the Kashmiri people would be amplified globally and that the Pakistani nation would continue its struggle to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

He said the administration would focus on highlighting the revoked special status of occupied Kashmir and the atrocities committed by Indian forces.

Speeches, rallies, and photo exhibitions will be held in schools and colleges, and the world’s attention will be drawn to the human tragedy through visual depictions of Indian atrocities at prominent locations, including entry and exit points of the city.

During the briefing, it was informed that various events will be held across the Rawalpindi Division on August 5 to express solidarity with Kashmiri brothers on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir.

Government and private educational institutions, business organisations, and various governmental and non-governmental organisations will fully participate in these events.

Documentary films and dramas will be showcased at the Rawalpindi Arts Council, with free public entry.

Similarly, all tehsils across the division and in Rawalpindi city will organise special events to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2025