Pakistan rises to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day
06 February, 2013
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| LAHORE: Activists of Jamaat-ud-Daawa hold a demonstration rally on Kashmir Solidarity Day, in Lahore. |
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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo said on Tuesday that Kashmiris had been subjected to human rights violation by India for over six decades.
In his message on the Kashmir Solidarity Day, the minister said the Kashmiris had been denied their right to self-determination, despite the UN Security Council resolution on the long-standing dispute.
He said, "The government and people of Pakistan fully extend their unflinching support on this day to Kashmiris who are in continuous struggle to achieve their right to self-determination. We recognise their sacrifices and call for holding plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UN resolutions."
He said the indigenous freedom movement in Kashmir had gained a new momentum and urgency. "The Kashmiris are unanimous in their demand for self-determination their firm determination is reflected in the peaceful protests of women and segments of civil society," he said.
The minister maintained, "I, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, urge the international community to take cognisance of the atrocities being inflicted upon innocent men, women and children by the Indian forces in Kashmir."
Meanwhile, Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed amid heavy rain in Chakwal, Muzaffargarh, Nankana Sahib, Arifwala, Faisalabad, Bhakkar, Kasur, Lala Musa, Toba Tek Singh, Gojra, Okara and other major cities of Punjab.
In Chakwal, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) organised Kashmir Solidity Conference at its central office, presided over by JI ameer Prof M Amir Malik. Different speakers highlighted the issue and said Kashmir is the backbone of Pakistan. They said rulers should not compromise on the
Kashmir issue. In Muzaffargarh, special prayers were offered in all mosques for liberation of Kashmir. A number of rallies were taken out in Muzaffargarh, Jatoi, Alipur and Kot Addu. More than 200 activists of the PML-N rallied from Kutchery Chowk up to Qanwan Chowk, led by Nawabzada Ahmad Khan.
NGOs and religious organisations made a human chain to express solidarity with Kashmiris, led by DO Social Welfare Chaudhry Muhammad Saleem Akhtar. They called for implementation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir issue. They said dialogue was the only solution to resolve the dispute.
PPP general secretary Zubaidus Islam Khan Sherwani backed the indigenous movement for liberation of Jammu and Kashmir. In Toba Tek Singh, despite heavy rain, several rallies were taken out to show solidarity with Kashmiris.
JI took out a rally from its office in Civil Lines, to Railway Level Crossing Chowk. Drs Zahid Sattar and Maqbool Ahmad addressed the gathering. Another rally started from Jamia Masjid Khatme Nabuwat to Shuhada Chowk on Jhang Road during which Maulvi Shakirullah and Maulana Muhammad Ismail condemned Indian atrocities on innocent Kashmiris.
In Gojra, a seminar was held to show solidarity with Kashmiris. In Okara, two rallies were held from Waris Colony to Okara Press Club and from Depalpur Chowk to Goal Chowk.
Dr Liaqat Ali Kausar, Sheikh Muhammad Farooq, Dr Zaeemuddin Lakhvi, Abu Imran and Hafiz Qamar Lakhvi addressed the rallies.
In Nankana Sahib, a motorcycle rally started from Nankana-Bucheki Road and to Milad-e-Mustafa (SAW) Chowk. Abu Al-Qasim and others made speeches to the rally pointing out that 90,000 Kashmiris have been killed by Indian army in Jammu and Kashmir.
PML-N held a ceremony to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day at the residence of former federal state minister Rai Mansib Ali Kharal. Kharal said the hearts of Pakistanis beat with the hearts of Kashmiris. "India cannot be declared most favoured nation," he said.
He said India had been occupying Kashmir since 1948. He said Kashmiris should be given the right to self-determination according to resolutions of the UN.
In Arifwala, the JI and Jamiatul Mujahidin took out a rally. The participants were holding flags and banners inscribed with slogans in favour of liberation of Kashmir.
Abdul Razzaq Khalil said Pakistanis would leave no stone unturned for the independence of Kashmir. He demanded that the Kashmir issue be resolved according to resolutions of the UN.
In Faisalabad, special prayers were offered immediately after Fajr prayers across the city for the Kashmiris who sacrificed their lives for liberation of Kashmir. People expressed solidarity with Kashmiris by observing one-minute silence at 10am when sirens were sounded and all kind of traffic came to a standstill.
In Bhakkar, political and religious organisations rallied from Gole Chakkar to King Gate (Bab-e-Jinnah) to show solidarity with Kashmiris.
The speakers said that the rulers were violating the Pakistan ideology by ignoring the In In Kasur, a big rally was held by JUI (F) from Kot Murad Khan to Baldia Chowk. The speakers urged India to stop brutality in Kashmir.
In Lalamusa, a function was held to remember the 15 local citizens who gave their lives for liberation of Kashmir, at Shahzad Municipal Library' Hall.
Their parents were invited as chief guests. The speakers criticised Pervez Musharraf and the rulers for going soft on Kashmir issue.
APP adds: Leader of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani said Kashmiris would continue their struggle against Indian oppression.
In his telephonic address to participants of Kashmir Solidarity Day rally, organised by different organisations at Clock Tower Chowk, he thanked and praised Pakistanis for their support to Kashmiri people struggling for freedom from India.
He said due rights of Kashmiris should be given as per resolution of the UN and aspirations of the people living in the valley.
In Hyderabad, civil society and religious groups reiterated commitment for a peaceful solution to Kashmir dispute.JI took out a big rally from Tilak Incline to the Press Club.
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