Political parties, human rights activists and civil society members held demonstrations on the 'Kashmir Solidarity Day', expressing their full support for the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir struggling for freedom and self determination.
The most prominent procession of the city was Jamaat-e-Islami's march taken out from Jail Chowrangi to Mazar e Quaid. A large number of JI activists including women and children, besides people from different walks of life participated in the rally.
Likewise, workers of various organisations such as Muslim Student Organisation (MSO), International Peace Organisation (IPO), National Unity and Peace Forum (NUPF), Tehreek-e-Nojawanan-e-Pakistan and others also held separate protests outside the Karachi Press Club. The participants were carrying placards and banners, inscribed with the slogans expressing solidarity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) also organised a programme in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day at Frere Hall. Provincial Health Minister Sikandar Mendhro, central leaders of Hurriyat Conference Abdul Majeed, Sardar Nazakat Ali Khan and others addressed the event.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in his message vowed to continue party's ethical and diplomatic struggle for the self-determination of people of Indian held Kashmir. He underscored the need of highlighting the issue in the international forums. Bilawal termed the Kashmir as an incomplete agenda of the division of subcontinent. He said the Indian atrocities on innocent people are rising with every passing day.
Addressing the party rally, the JI deputy chief Asadullah Bhutto Advocate termed Kashmir as incomplete agenda of 1947 partition. He said it was the basic principle and formula of the partition of subcontinent that Muslims majority areas of the region would be part of Pakistan.
He added that despite passage of 7 decades of genocide and oppression, Kashmir is still a region of Muslims' majority. India has no right over Kashmir, on the other hand, the region of Kashmir and Pakistan are naturally associated with each other. Citing the water resources, which flow from Kashmir to Pakistan, he termed Kashmir as lifeline for the survival of Pakistan.
JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, in his address made it clear that Jihad is the only way forward to liberate occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also lambasted those who termed the holy Jihad of Kashmir as a private affair.
He demanded of the Pakistan government to play its due role in Jihad for liberation of Kashmir. He was of the view that diplomatic efforts for the freedom of Kashmir are essential but would be prove useless without Kashmir.
He paid rich tribute to martyred leader of "Hizb -ul-Mujahideen" Burhan Muzaffar Wani. He said that martyrdom of the young leader provided a new life to Kashmir movement.
The JI leader also criticised the rulers for showing cold shoulders to the movement of freedom of Kashmir. He said the government should take solid steps for the completion of Pakistan's independence. He annoyed over government's decision to allow Indian movies in Pakistan.
He said the state and army of Pakistan, both should discharge their responsibilities in this regard. Naeem also lambasted the global community for its dual standards when it comes to the Kashmir issue. He said the so-called super powers take action even when rights of animals are violated but keep mum over the genocide of Muslims across the world. He said international powers are unable to even get their own resolutions implemented.
He said the only way of Kashmir's freedom is Jihad and the government should come forward on forefront.