ASTORE:A large rally was held in Astore district on the occasion of Black Day under the auspices of the district administration. Officers of the district administration, police officials, heads of various departments, local elders, civil society representatives, students and people from different walks of life participated in the rally.
The participants expressed strong solidarity with the people of Kashmir, raised slogans against Indian actions in occupied Kashmir and reaffirmed their support for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
The rally started from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Astore and passed through different routes before reaching Ali Murtaza Chowk, where it turned into a public gathering. Assistant Commissioner Astore Muhammad Shoaib, Superintendent of Police Astore Barkatullah and Assistant Commissioner Shounter Tauseeq Ahmed led the rally.
The participants carried Pakistani and Kashmiri flags, banners and placards bearing slogans against Indian actions in occupied Kashmir and in support of the Kashmiri people. They raised enthusiastic slogans and expressed their support for the Kashmiris’ struggle for freedom and their right to decide their own future.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Commissioner Astore Muhammad Shoaib said that the large public participation and enthusiasm reflected the strong bond of solidarity with the people of Kashmir. He said that the people of Pakistan would continue to support their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and raise their voices for their right to self-determination.
He said that October 27, 1947, is observed as Black Day by the Kashmiri people to mark the entry of Indian forces into occupied Kashmir. He described the day as a painful and important chapter in Kashmir’s history and stressed that the Kashmir issue must be resolved fairly in accordance with United Nations resolutions and international principles.
Muhammad Shoaib said that the international community should play an effective role in resolving the Kashmir issue and ensuring that the Kashmiri people are given the right to decide their future according to their wishes and aspirations.
He added that the government and people of Pakistan, along with the armed forces, stand with the Kashmiri people and will continue to highlight the Kashmir issue at international forums.
He further said that the Pakistani nation has full confidence in its armed forces and remains united in protecting the country’s defence, security and sovereignty. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to support the rights and legitimate demands of the Kashmiri people.
Other speakers also addressed the gathering and expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir. They stressed the need to highlight the Kashmir issue at the international level and paid tribute to the services of the Pakistan Armed Forces. They reaffirmed that the Pakistani nation would continue to extend moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people.
Before the main rally, a flag-bearing procession comprising dozens of vehicles and motorcycles was also taken out. The participants carried Pakistani and Kashmiri flags. Banners were also displayed at various locations across Astore district and in the city to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir and highlight the demand for a fair resolution of the Kashmir issue.
At the end of the rally and gathering, the participants reiterated their commitment to continue supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and raising their voices for a peaceful, fair and lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.