MUZAFFARABAD: Young Kashmiri children, representing both sides of the divided state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), gathered here on Friday to honour the armed forces of Pakistan for their unwavering commitment to defending the nation and supporting the noble cause of the oppressed Kashmiris.
“We honour the historic and courageous role of our armed forces in combating terrorism and safeguarding sovereignty. Their legacy of valour and sacrifices will be remembered and revered by the people of Kashmir and Pakistan for generations to come,” said a resolution adopted by the Sawera Student Assembly (SSA) in a display of patriotism and solidarity.
The event was held under the aegis of Sawera Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation headed by militant turned peace activist Tanveer ul Islam and working for the promotion of peace and education among the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) based impoverished Kashmiris.
Zahid Amin, a prominent Muzaffarabad-based political and social leader, was the chief guest on the occasion. Other speakers included Mr Islam, Kashmiri refugee leader Zameer Naz and senior Kashmiri journalist Tariq Naqash.
In the earlier part of the event, students Yusra Imtiaz, Hibba Naveed, Konain Fatima, Aqib Saeed, Minahal Iqbal, Qurat ul Ain, Raja Liaquat and Chaudhry Bilal delivered speeches in Urdu and English, highlighting the significance of Defence Day, the sacrifices of the armed forces, and role of the nation in countering enemy’s aggression. The resolution also honoured the martyrs, describing their bravery as a source of pride and inspiration for a strong, united, and resilient Pakistan. It expressed the SSA’s commitment to contributing to a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan through education, innovation, and civic engagement. The SSA urged the Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir to continue championing the cause of freedom and justice for the oppressed Kashmiri people.
Recalling the 1965 war, Mr Amin stated that it was triggered by India’s aggression following a series of embarrassing defeats in occupied Kashmir at the hands of Kashmiri guerrillas.He noted that the first recipient of Pakistan’s highest military award was also martyred on Kashmiri soil, which highlighted the army’s dedication to the Kashmir cause.
“It is encouraging that Gen Asim Munir has firmly renewed this commitment, much to our delight and satisfaction,” he added.Mr Naqash reminded the audience that military success was impossible without public support. Remembering the widespread public support for the Pakistan Army during the 1965 war, he noted that India, fearing this spirit, had embarked on malicious efforts to create a wedge between the public and the armed forces through fifth-generation warfare. He urged the younger generation to be vigilant and thwart the enemy’s nefarious designs with wisdom and unity.
Mr. Islam paid tribute to the Pakistan Army martyrs who sacrificed their lives in wars with India. He emphasised that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deeply appreciate Pakistan’s efforts in their struggle for freedom from India. “Let me reiterate that Pakistan’s security and prosperity are closely linked to the liberation of Kashmir and we, the Kashmiris, remain committed to the ideology of ‘one nation, one dream’,” he said. Highlighting the Kashmir freedom movement and the need to strengthen ideological bonds and social cohesion between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan, the peace activist urged Pakistani youth to support the fight for self-determination and justice for Kashmir.