Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said in his message on Kashmir Solidarity Day that every Pakistani stand with the Kashmiri people, and the Pakistani nation expresses complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Interior Minister said that Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein, and Pakistan supports the legitimate rights of its Kashmiri brothers on every forum. He stated that India's illegal occupation is a hindrance to the freedom of the Kashmiri people.

Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan wants a solution to the Kashmir issue through the United Nations, and the Pakistani government and people will continue to provide political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris. He further said that Pakistan will always be part of their struggle by becoming their voice.

The Interior Minister emphasized that the Kashmiris have the right to decide their own future. He stressed that the Kashmir issue is not only a problem for the Kashmiris but for the entire region, and without resolving the Kashmir dispute, the dream of sustainable peace in the region cannot become a reality.

Islamabad: "Kashmir Solidarity Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the unshaken spirit of the Kashmiri people and the unfulfilled promise of their right to self-determination," said Ms. Saba Sadiq, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights.

For over seven decades, Kashmir has remained a wound on the conscience of the world-one that continues to deepen with every act of oppression, every voice silenced, and every right denied.

Ms. Saba Sadiq highlighted the grave human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of fundamental freedoms.

She emphasized that despite facing relentless brutality, the resilience of the Kashmiri people remains unwavering.

She called on the international community and human rights organizations to break their silence and stand against the blatant violations of human rights in IIOJK.

'The world must recognize the plight of Kashmiris, who have been denied their basic rights for generations. Justice and humanity demand urgent intervention,' she emphasized.

Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment, she stated, 'We will continue to be the voice of Kashmir on every global platform until their right to self-determination is fulfilled.'

Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Kashmiris--today and always.

Islamabad: Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has expressed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiri people on Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Sanaullah praised the Kashmiri people's sacrifices and resilience in the face of Indian oppression and barbarity. "The entire Pakistani nation stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, and we pledge our moral, diplomatic, and political support for their freedom struggle," he said.

He also condemned India's actions in Kashmir, emphasizing that depriving the Kashmiri people of their right to self-determination is a cruel and inhumane act, said a statement issued here.

I urge the international community to pressure India to implement UN resolutions and grant Kashmiris their fundamental right to self-determination, he said.

Sanaullah expressed optimism that the Kashmiri people's struggle will ultimately succeed, and they will exercise their right to self-determination.

"We salute the Kashmiri people's courage and assure them of our continued support in their struggle for freedom," he said.

Islamabad: The Kashmir Solidarity Day Conference, organized by the All Parties International Kashmir Coordination Committee (APIKCC), was held in Birmingham with a powerful message of support for the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir, who continue to suffer under what many described as brutal Indian military occupation.

The event brought together a wide range of activists, community leaders, and political figures who voiced their solidarity with Kashmiris and called for stronger international intervention, ,said in a press release issued here on Wednesday.

Professor Dr. Zafar Hussain Zafar, a renowned academician from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), was the chief guest for the event. In his speech, Dr. Zafar emphasized the importance of international advocacy for Kashmir, urging the global community to take a more active role in addressing the ongoing human rights violations in the region.

The conference was presided over by Fahim Kayani, the President of APIKCC, a key figure in the global campaign for Kashmir's rights. Kayani's leadership and vision for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue resonated throughout the event. The event was moderated by Inam ul Haq, Secretary General of APIKCC, who guided the discussions and encouraged dialogue among the diverse group of speakers.

Human rights activists, community leaders, and religious figures who participated in the conference raised alarms about the systematic human rights violations taking place in Kashmir. Speakers highlighted the ongoing violence, including arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of basic freedoms, under India's military occupation. They also condemned the actions of India's government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of further exacerbating the situation with policies backed by the extremist RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) movement.

A major theme of the conference was the condemnation of India's Hindutva agenda under Modi's leadership, which, according to the speakers, aims to marginalize religious minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians.

The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, was seen as a key move in furthering this Hindutva vision. Speakers emphasized that the plight of the Kashmiri people is closely linked to this broader extremist agenda, which aims to erase the region's cultural and religious diversity.

The event concluded with a strong message of solidarity for the people of Kashmir. Organizers and participants reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to raise awareness about the situation in Kashmir and advocate for self-determination for its people.

Riyadh: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday affirmed that the Kingdom's position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is firm and unwavering.

The ministry, in a statement, said Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, clearly and unequivocally has reaffirmed this stance during his speech at the opening of the first session of the ninth term of the Shura Council on September 18, 2024. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that.

The crown prince also reiterated this firm position during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2024. He stressed the continuation of efforts to establish a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, demanding an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. He also urged more peace-loving countries to recognize the State of Palestine, and emphasized the importance of mobilizing the international community to support the Palestinian people's rights, as expressed in United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolutions, recognizing Palestine's eligibility for full UN membership.

According to the statement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) also reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, land annexation, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land. 'The international community has a duty today to alleviate the severe humanitarian suffering endured by the Palestinian people, who will remain steadfast on their land and will not move from it.'

The KSA emphasizes that this unwavering position is non-negotiable and not subject to compromises. Achieving lasting and just peace is impossible without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international resolutions, as has been previously clarified to both the former and current United States administrations.

Islamabad: Lok Virsa hosted a vibrant series of cultural events on Wednesday to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day, drawing visitors from across the capital.

The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIoJK) while reaffirming solidarity with the Kashmiri people's struggle for self-determination.

A key attraction was the artisan-at-work exhibition, where Kashmiri craftsmen showcased their expertise in traditional wood carving, paper mache art, and intricate embroidery.

Stalls displayed beautifully handcrafted walnut wood boxes, ornate mirror frames, and exquisitely woven shawls, drawing admiration from visitors.

"The craftsmanship here is simply breathtaking. Each piece tells a story of Kashmir's deep artistic traditions," said Hina Iqbal, a visitor who purchased a hand-carved jewelry box as a souvenir. Another attendee, Ahmed Raza, who explored the embroidery section, remarked, "These Kashmiri shawls are masterpieces. The fine needlework and vibrant colors reflect the dedication of Kashmiri artisans."

A photographic exhibition depicted the harrowing realities of Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir.

The powerful images stirred emotions among visitors, with many stopping to discuss the plight of the Kashmiri people. "Seeing these pictures is heartbreaking. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by Kashmiris every day," said Rafay Malik, a student attending the event.

The event also featured soulful Kashmiri musical performances, where artists dressed in traditional attire performed folk songs and played classical Kashmiri instruments.

A seminar was also held on Kashmiri cultural heritage which brought together scholars and activists, who discussed the importance of preserving Kashmir's identity amid ongoing oppression.

Meanwhile, documentary screenings provided insights into the historical and political struggle of Kashmir, sparking thought-provoking discussions among attendees.

The banners displaying slogans in favor of the Kashmir cause were placed across the venue, reinforcing Pakistan's unwavering commitment to Kashmiri rights.

Many attendees were seen taking photographs near these banners, sharing messages of support on social media. "It's crucial to keep the Kashmir issue alive in public discourse. Events like this strengthen our collective voice," said Ali Haider, a young activist at the event.

The Kashmir Solidarity Day celebrations at Lok Virsa successfully blended cultural appreciation with activism, creating an impactful experience for attendees.

The event not only highlighted the beauty of Kashmiri heritage but also amplified the ongoing calls for justice and self-determination.