Rawalpindi:Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir was observed across Rawalpindi on Wednesday with rallies, seminars, walks and special ceremonies to reaffirm diplomatic, political and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Governmental departments, educational institutions and private organisations organised a series of events to condemn India’s unilateral revocation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, and to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
The main district-level ceremony, organised by the Rawalpindi district administration, was held at the Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Auditorium of Government Waqar-un-Nisa College for Women.The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Captain (r) Nadeem Nasir, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information Daniyal Chaudhry, MNAs Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja and Asia Naz Tanoli, members of the Punjab Assembly, Chief Executive Officer Health, Chief Executive Officer Education, Principal Waqar-un-Nisa College Zahida Parveen, police and civil defence officials, officers from various government departments, teachers, students and other dignitaries.
A flag-hoisting ceremony was held on the college premises, followed by a one-minute silence at 9am to honour the martyrs of Kashmir and protest against India’s actions in the occupied territory. Sirens were sounded before the silence, while the national anthem was played and participants saluted the national flag.
Students presented national songs, speeches and special performances highlighting the sacrifices and freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people.The Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) also organised a programme featuring documentaries, stage performances and a photo exhibition depicting the human rights situation in IIOJK. The event was attended by writers, artists, students and members of the public.
Across the district, tehsils, educational institutions and various public and private organisations arranged solidarity walks, seminars, debate contests and speech competitions to mark the day.
A solidarity walk organised by the Punjab Social Protection Authority on Iran Road was led by Managing Director of the authority and Rawalpindi Waste Management Company Chief Executive Officer Rana Sajid Safdar.
The participants carrying Pakistani and Azad Kashmir flags raised slogans in support of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and condemned alleged human rights violations in IIOJK.
They urged the international community to take notice of the human rights situation in the occupied territory and ensure implementation of United Nations resolutions on Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the Progressive Welfare Organization also held a seminar chaired by its president, Muhammad Amir Siddiqui, to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir and reiterate support for their right to self-determination.
