Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed today

Kashmir Solidarity Day is being observed today to express wholehearted support of Pakistani nation to the just struggle of Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination under United Nations resolutions.

This time the day is being observed after India revoked the special status of occupied Kashmir in August last year in breach of all international laws, and since then the entire population of the held territory has been under lockdown.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the special session of AJK Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad today to express solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri brethren.

Human chains will be formed at Kohala, Mangla, Holar and Azad Pattan points linking Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

Rallies, public meetings, and seminars will be held across the country, including Azad Kashmir to draw attention of the world community towards grave human rights violations and brutalities against innocent Kashmiris by the Indian security forces.

Message of Foreign Minister:

In a message on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said the international community must do more to support the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in this time of trial and tribulation.

He said each additional second on the lockdown clock is a burden on the world’s collective conscience.

The Foreign Minister said the international community must act in support of the fundamental freedoms and basic human rights of Kashmiris and urge India to allow the UN Fact Finding Mission to occupied Kashmir to ascertain the reports of grave human rights violations there.

A Memorandum would be presented to the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan at 10.30am today to show solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan would be the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Parliamentarians, female anchorpersons, and women and children from all walks of life will assemble near Serena Hotel..

They would walk in the form is a human chain, towards Serena hotel to present the Momorandum to the UN Resident Coordinator.

In her tweet, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said the entire Pakistani nation stands as one in solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. The Spokesperson said Pakistan will continue to raise its voice for their inalienable right to self-determination.

Belgium

Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) organized an event of candle light vigil in Brussels, the capital of Belgium in order to express solidarity with oppressed people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

The program was arranged in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day at Place du Luxembourg in front of EU parliament in Brussels, the EU headquarters.

A large number of people from all walks of life and representatives of different NGOs including members of Human Rights Organizations attended the event.

In a statement at eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Chairman Kashmir Council EU Ali Raza Syed expressed solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian occupied Kashmir suffering from Indian brutalities for last seven decades.