ISLAMABAD: Kashmir Solidarity Day is being observed across the country on Monday to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people who are struggling for their right to self-determination under United Nations (UN) resolutions. The day will dawn with special prayers in mosques for progress and prosperity of Pakistan, eternal peace of martyrs of Kashmir’s struggle and liberation of Muslim occupied territories including Indian Held Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
Big rallies, demonstrations, declamation contests and walks would be the main features of the day in all the major cities and towns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata where big congregations and processions would also be taken out to draw attention of the world towards the plight of Kashmiris.
Special cultural programmes and festivals will also be held to promote Kashmiri culture and tradition while photographic exhibitions will be arranged depicting the atrocities committed by Indian occupation forces against the Kashmiris. A holiday has been announced in Pakistan, including in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). A one-minute silence will be observed at 10am to honour the Kashmiri martyrs.
Human chains at Kohala Bridge, Mangla Bridge and other points linking Pakistan and AJK will be formed.
At the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Pakistani and Sikh communities will hold a demonstration.
Former AJK prime minister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry will be the chief guest on the occasion.
Radio Pakistan will air special programmes to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Messages of President and Prime Minister will be aired in programme "Subh- e Pakistan" starting at 7:10 a.m. A special song, 'Naghma-i-Kashmir' and Interviews of President and Prime Minister of Azad Jammu Kashmir will also be part of this programme. Special programme highlighting struggle of women for liberation of motherland from Indian clutches has been scheduled in programme "Sukhi Ghar" under the title, "Srinagar Ki Betiyan." Special song "Ay Jannat Arzi" and interview of Kashmiri leader Mashal Malik titled, "Jed-o-Jehd-e Azadi Jammu Wa Kashmir Aur Khawateen Ka Jazba-e Hurriyet' will also be presented during this programme.
Foreign office has arranged special briefing on Kashmir to Islamabad based heads of foreign missions.APP/AFP