Nation to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day today

ISLAMABAD: Kashmir Solidarity Day will be observed today (Wednesday) 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.

It will be a public holiday and preparations are in full swing to observe the day to highlight the plight of oppressed Kashmiri people and remind the world community of its obligations towards the resolution of the longstanding dispute.

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

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad 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. In the federal capital, the citizens will form a human chain at D-Chowk to express solidarity with their oppressed Kashmiri brethren.

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. Banners highlighting the plight of innocent Kashmiris have been put on display at all important points and roads all over the country.

Prime Minister of AJK Raja Farooq Haider has issued special directives to all the departments concerned to make arrangements to mark the day. All the district administrations in the AJK have made elaborate arrangements in this regard.

According to details, one-minute silence would be observed on 8:55am and human chains would be formed at Kohala and Mangla bridges linking with Pakistan to express unanimity with Pakistan and solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters who are under complete siege and clamp down after abrogation of the special status of Indian-held Kashmir by the Modi government.