Lahore: The Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) on Wednesday observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir with a series of events, including a photographic exhibition,a dialogue and a solidarity walk,to pay tribute to the resilience, sacrifices and cultural identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Provincial Minister for Housing,Urban Development and Public Health Engineering,Bilal Yasin attended the ceremony as chief guest.
The event was also attended by Kashmiri leaders Engineer Mushtaq,Mahmood Sagar and Zahid Mujtaba,Director General Punjab Institute of Language,Art and Culture (PILAC) Aslam Shahid,Assistant Director Administration Alhamra Syed Umair Hassan representatives of the Punjab Council of the Arts and members of civil society.
The program commenced with a photographic exhibition highlighting the history,cultural heritage and struggles of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,followed by a dialogue on preserving historical memory through literature,visual arts and cultural expression.
Addressing the participants, Bilal Yasin said Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir commemorates the events of August 5, 2019 and reiterated Pakistan’s continued moral, diplomatic and political support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
He said a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions was essential for lasting regional peace and urged the international community to take notice of reported human rights concerns in Indian-administered Kashmir.
He said cultural institutions such as Alhamra plays an important role in promoting national awareness,preserving cultural identity and strengthening social cohesion through art and literature.
On the occasion,Executive Director Lahore Arts Council,Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said the observance underscored the importance of preserving history and ensuring that the voices of people enduring hardship were not forgotten.
He added that art and literature remain powerful tools for promoting compassion,preserving truth and strengthening national consciousness.
The event concluded with a solidarity walk and special prayers for Pakistan’s peace,stability and prosperity as well as for peace and dignity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.