KARACHI: Like other parts of the country, teachers and students belonging to different universities across Sindh also staged rallies to observe Youm-i-Istihsal-i-Kashmir on Wednesday.
The province-wide events featured insightful addresses highlighting the historical significance of Aug 5, 2019, which marked the unilateral revocation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution by New Delhi, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special semi-autonomous status, dissolving its statehood into federally governed union territories, and fundamentally shifting the region’s political, legal and demographic landscape.
The participants of the rallies, including vice chancellors of several public sector universities, carried banners and placards, raising slogans that reflected their commitment to the just cause of Kashmir and their rejection of oppression and exploitation.
KU rally
At the University of Karachi, a dignified and solemn rally was staged to express unwavering solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people.
The rally was led by acting KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio and witnessed enthusiastic participation from the registrar, deans, faculty members, students, officers and employees of the university.
The rally commenced from the KU Administrative Block and concluded at Azadi Chowk, symbolising the collective voice of the KU community in support of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tufail reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering stance, stating that the country will continue to extend diplomatic, political, and moral support to the Kashmiri people in their struggle for the right to self-determination.
He stressed that it is the responsibility of every institution, including universities, to play its role in amplifying the voices of the oppressed and ensuring that their plight remains in global focus.
JSMU rally
Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) also expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir and to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to peace, justice and human dignity.
The programme commenced with the national anthems of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the innocent lives affected by the Kashmir conflict.
Students also presented a heartfelt Kashmiri poem by renowned Kashmiri poet Madhosh Balhami, captivating documentaries showcasing Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and rich heritage, as well as a moving tribute dedicated to the people of Kashmir.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge to stand for peace, dignity, and the fundamental rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
‘India is violating international law’
Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) organised Youm-i-Istehsal-i-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day) walks at both of its campuses, with enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members and non-teaching staff.
In her message to the participants, DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Nazli Hossain said that by denying the rights of the Kashmiri people, India is violating international law. She urged the international community to press India to implement the United Nations resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
During the rally, participants chanted slogans expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people, supporting their right to self-determination and reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue. The participants carried the national flags of Pakistan and Kashmir, along with banners and placards highlighting the Kashmir cause.
SMIU’s VC leads Kashmir rally
Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) also held a ‘Youm-i-Istehsal Kashmir Rally’ to show solidarity with Kashmiri people, which was led by Vice Chancellor Dr Mujeeb Sahrai.
The procession began at the university’s main building and concluded near the IT Tower. SMIU’s deans, heads of various academic departments, faculty members, officers, staff and students participated in the event.
In his address to the rally, Dr Sahrai strongly condemned India’s conspiracies against the Occupied Kashmir and its people by revoking Article 370 of its constitution on Aug 5, 2019, which ended the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir by splitting it into two separate federal union territories, and placed them under direct central rule.
Sindh University rally
The University of Sindh observed the day by holding a seminar in which speakers reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and condemned India’s unilateral revocation of the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir.
They stressed that a peaceful resolution of the longstanding dispute, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, was essential for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.
The seminar was chaired by Sindh University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Fateh Muhammad Marri. The former vice-chancellor of Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, Pro-Vice-Chancellor SU Main Campus Prof Dr Abdul Sattar Shah, Department of Political Science Chairman Prof Dr Ghulam Akbar Mahesar, Department of History Chairman Prof Dr Irfan Shaikh, Pakistan Study Centre faculty member Dr Muhammad Mashooque Ali Khuwaja, deans of various faculties, heads of academic departments, directors, faculty members and students were present on the occasion.
LUMHS rally
Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro organised a rally on the occasion to express solidarity with people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, in the lead of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ikram Din Ujjan and attended by faculty members, administrative officers, doctors, nurses, students and university staff.
Addressing the participants, VC Prof Dr Ikram Din Ujjan said Pakistan continues to extend its moral, political and diplomatic support to people of Kashmir and reiterated that Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with resolutions of United Nations and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He urged students to uphold values of peace, tolerance, national unity, and humanity while contributing positively to society.
The rally concluded with special prayers for peace, prosperity and security of Pakistan and for justice, peace and well-being of people of Kashmir.
Solidarity rally by SAU Tandojam
The day was also observed in Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, by holding a solidarity rally in support to the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir. VC Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal led the rally. It was attended by deans, faculty members, students, officers and university employees.
They carried banners and placards expressing solidarity with Kashmiri people, supporting their right to self-determination and paying tribute to the armed forces.
Addressing a gathering outside the VC Secretariat after the rally, the VC said that people of Kashmir were striving for internationally recognised right to self-determination for decades and added that Pakistan consistently extended diplomatic, political and moral support to their cause.
He said that universities have a responsibility to educate young people about peace, justice, human rights and respect for international law so that they could better understand global issues through knowledge and dialogue.
Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026