Sukkur: A rally was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Shikarpur on Wednesday to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, with government officials, members of civil society, teachers, students and representatives of various departments participating to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
The rally was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Zia-ur-Rehman, Additional Deputy Commissioner-I Shikarpur Muhammad Faizan Cheema, Assistant Commissioners of all four tehsils, Mukhtiarkars, officers and staff from the Revenue, Information, Education and Social Welfare departments, political and social figures, college teachers and students, officials from various government departments and other members of the public.
Addressing the participants, Deputy Commissioner Shikarpur Shakil Ahmed Abro said that, like other parts of the country, Kashmir Exploitation Day was being observed across Shikarpur District with national enthusiasm and a strong spirit of solidarity.
He said the day is observed in remembrance of August 5, 2019, when India revoked Article 370 and ended the special constitutional status of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has described the move as a violation of United Nations resolutions and international law.
The Deputy Commissioner said the purpose of observing the day was to express solidarity with the people of IIOJK, support their right to self-determination and draw the international community’s attention to the Kashmir issue.
He said that the people of Pakistan were standing with the people of Kashmir and would continue to support their struggle. He added that Pakistan shared the pain and suffering of Kashmiri elders, men, women and children and stood in solidarity with those affected by human rights violations.
Assistant Commissioner Shikarpur Dr. Arifa Batool also addressed the rally and said that India’s decision on August 5, 2019, to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir was viewed by Pakistan as a violation of international law and United Nations resolutions.
She said Kashmir Exploitation Day is observed annually to highlight the hardships faced by the Kashmiri people, raise awareness of alleged human rights violations and draw global attention to their right to self-determination.
During the rally, participants raised loud slogans in support of Pakistan, Kashmir, the Pakistan Armed Forces and Sindh Police. Slogans were also chanted against the Indian government, reflecting strong public support for the Kashmiri cause.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the people of Kashmir and called on the international community to play an effective role in addressing the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.