Like other parts of the country, the Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed in Karachi with renewed commitment to continue unwavering support to the Kashmiris fighting for their right to self determination.
The day dawned with special prayers at masques for the freedom of oppressed people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) who have been in lockdown for over 180 days, while a number of seminars, walks, literary conferences, and pictorial exhibitions were held at various parts of the city to highlight Indian atrocities in IOK.
Government, semi-government institutions, political parties, human right organisations, civil society, etc. arranged rallies outside Karachi Press Club (KPC) that highlighted the human rights violations by the Indian security force in IOK.
Chairman Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took to twitter as saying "India's illegal annexation of Kashmir is not just a violation of international resolutions but of international law. We stand in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers & sisters and assure them that the PPP will always fight for them."
Governor Sindh Imran Ismail said, "Indian government's dream of forcible occupation of Kashmir will never be fulfilled."
The provincial government held Kashmir Day Rally from Kashmir Road to Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum. CM Sindh along with his cabinet participated in the rally to show solidarity with Kashmiris.
Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar urged the government to build up pressure with the help of world Muslim community and gather them on this issue before the time goes out of our hands.
Addressing a seminar and pictorial exhibition at Khaliqdina Hall, he appealed youth to send messages to UNO and other world organisations regarding Kashmir issue and use this strong tool of social media to yield results.
Leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference of Jammu and Kashmir Mehmood Sagar, Kashmiri leader Sardar Nazakat Ali, Dr Rakesh Motiani and others were also present on this occasion.
Mayor said Kashmiris have given lot of sacrifices, the citizens of Karachi and their elected representatives stand with their Kashmiri brethren, however, the policy of world Muslim community was not cleared. This issue could not be solved by statements only and it needs other measures as well.
In a message, Sindh minister for energy Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh said India by introducing controversial citizenship bill has laid the foundation of its division.
Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor, demanded that government should mount pressure in Muslim ummah to stop genocide by Indian army and police on unarmed citizens of Indian occupied Kashmir.