Preparations are underway to observe 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' on February 5 with the resolve to continue to extend all-out moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their just struggle.
The day is a regular annual event being marked to support the indigenous freedom struggle of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and their right to plebiscite; and to condemn Indian aggression on the held Valley, its illegal occupation, its tyrannical rule, and atrocities against innocent people.
People across Pakistan would express solidarity with the people of Indian-held Kashmir and pay tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiri shuhada (martyrs), renewing their commitment to continue supporting the Kashmiris brethren for their right to self-determination.
Different political and religious parties are chalking out programmes to hold rallies and functions to express solidarity to Kashmiris in their just struggle. The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas has devised a programme to observe the day in a befitting manner.
On February 5, one minute's silence will be observed at 10 am to give respect to the Kashmiri shuhada. A human chain will be formed by the people of Pakistan and Kashmir at the Kohala Bridge, linking Pakistan with Azad Kashmir, as a gesture of oneness and commitment to their brethren in Occupied Kashmir. Exhibitions and seminars will also be held to highlight the plight of Kashmiris and their just struggle for right to self-determination.
Chairman of Parliamentary Kashmir Committee Fazl-ur-Rahman has said that the nation from Khyber to Karachi should be active on February 5 so that a strong message of support from the Pakistan should go to the Kashmiri brethren, struggling for their right to self-determination.
The Kashmir Committee has called upon the United Nations and the international community to help Kashmiri people in getting their fundamental rights to self-determination by implementing its various resolutions in letter and spirit.
Parliamentary Kashmir Committee has also announced to hold an Essay Competition among students of universities/colleges on the topic of 'The Kashmir issue and role of Pakistan'. The competition offers 24 prizes in both versions (English, Urdu). Each medium will have 12 prizes: First (Rs 25,000), Second (Rs 20,000), Third (Rs 15,000), Fourth (Rs 10,000) and 8 consolation prizes of Rs 3,000 each. Students are invited to send essays, comprising not more 1200 words in English or Urdu. A student can send one copy only and write his/her name, class, Roll No, institution and address. The essays should reach Sultan Ahmad, Director (KC), Room No 427, National Assembly Secretariat, Islamabad, before February 28, 2011.