PESHAWAR: A number of events and rallies were held across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday to condemn the India’s revocation of the special status of Kashmir by withdrawing the Article 370, and to express unwavering support to the oppressed people.
In Peshawar, people belonging to different segments of the society, including government functionaries, students, players and members of civil society organisations, held rallies to mark Kashmir Exploitation Day (Youm-i-Istehsal).
The main event was a walk, which was organised from Chief Minister’s House to the Governor’s House in the cantonment area.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and chief minister’s adviser on information and public relations Barrister Dr Saif led the walk. Elected representatives, students and officials of different public sector departments also participated.
Governor links durable peace in region to resolution of Kashmir issue
Holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans in support of the citizens of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) the participants expressed solidarity with the oppressed people.
They condemned the atrocities committed by the Indian security forces against innocent children, women and senior citizens.
Shouting slogans against the Indian government the participants condemned the Delhi’s move to withdraw the special status of Kashmir by revoking the Article 370.
Governor Kundi said that the people of IIOJK had been suffering Indian oppression for decades.
He said that they wanted to convey to the world that the Pakistani nation would continue to provide moral and diplomatic support to the people of the occupied territory.
The governor urged the international community and human rights organisations to take notice of the ongoing atrocities in the held territory and support the oppressed people get their right to self-determination.
The governor emphasised that durable peace in the region was not possible without resolving the long-awaited Kashmir issue.
Barrister Saif condemned India’s ongoing human rights violations, unconstitutional measures, and illegal occupation. He expressed unwavering solidarity with the people of Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to their right to self-determination.
He said August 5 marked a dark chapter when India unilaterally revoked the special status of Kashmir through a constitutional amendment, in blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
He stated that India had assumed the Kashmir issue would fade with time, but the persistent resistance of the Kashmiri people and the unwavering support from Pakistan had proven otherwise. “We neither accept illegal occupation nor tolerate tyranny,” he said. “The strength of the Kashmiri people and the solidarity of the Pakistani nation are the greatest assets of this struggle.”
Barrister Saif criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he was trying to impose the fascist ideology of Hindutva on the region.
The business community also expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sarhard Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Fazal Moqeem Khan and other members said the entire business community was supporting the Kashmiris in their hour of trial and tribulation.
In Charsadda, a function was held to express solidarity with Kashmiris and condemn Indian forces’ atrocities in IIOJK.
The event organised by the district government was attended by additional deputy commissioner Qaiser Khan Kundi, assistant commissioner Riaz Ahmed, officials of various departments and citizens.
Students on the occasion presented tableaus, national songs and speeches.
In Bajaur, Youm-i-Istehsal was observed to express solidarity with people of Kashmir and condemn India’s illegal and unilateral action on August 5, 2019.
The district administration arranged a gathering, which was followed by a rally attended by people from different walks of life.
In Mohmand, the district administration organised a rally at Mian Mandi Bazaar in Halimzai tehsil. The rally was led by additional deputy commissioner (general) Iftikhar Uddin. Officials from various departments, elders, ulema, and traders attended the rally.
In Battagram, a rally was held to observe Kashmir Exploitation Day. District administration officials, civil society members and common people attended the rally. The rally commenced at the district administration complex and proceeded to Khatm-i-Nabuwat Chowk.
The participants carried Pakistani and Kashmiri flags, voicing their support through slogans.
In Dera Ismail Khan, the people marked Youm-i-Istehsal with rallies, seminars, and ceremonies to express unwavering support to the oppressed people.
Similarly, events took place in Tank district, where speakers stressed that India’s August 5, 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s special status was a gross violation of UN resolutions and human rights. Special prayers were offered for the martyrs of Kashmir.
Gomal University also marked the day with a large solidarity rally.
In Upper South Waziristan, the district administration arranged a seminar in Sarwekai, followed by a rally. The participants observed a one-minute silence and carried banners calling for granting Kashmiris the right to self-determination.
In Kohat and Orakzai districts, the Kashmir Exploitation Day was observed with rallies and functions.
In Chitral, Yaum-i-Istehsal was observed to mark the abrogation of Article 370 that gave Kashmir the special status.
A rally organised by the district administration started from Secretariat Road and culminated at Shahi Fort gate.
Rallies to express solidarity with people of IIOJK were also held in Upper and Lower Dir, Haripur, Swat and Malakand districts.
Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2025