Nation to observe black day for Kashmiris

The day’s events will highlight gross rights violations in valley

ISLAMABAD : The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan has announced it will observe Black Day on October 27 against the atrocities of Indian forces and forceful occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

It came during a meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan on Wednesday. Under Chairman Prof Sajid Mir, the committee decided to observe Black Day across the country.
It was informed that preparations have been completed and the ministry concerned would also consult officials in AJK and G-B in this regard.



According to the officials of the ministry, the campaign for the day would draw world’s attention towards the recent United Nations report on human rights violation in the valley.

Moreover, special programmes and documentaries on atrocities in Kashmir would be broadcast on TV channels in the country. For this, request has already been sent to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the officials said adding that special video films regarding use of pellet guns have also been made for the day.

Some Pakistani channels are widely watched in India so a request has been made to PEMRA to periodically run the films on such channels, the officials said.

The embassies of Pakistan would also make special measures for the day.



Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Ali Amin Khan Gandapur was also present in the meeting.
The minister, who had his first meeting after assuming the office, said the ministry would partner with the Senate committee to work for the development of the region.

Due to excessive delays, costs of development projects in G-B and AJK have gone up by three times, he said.

The committee also discussed the beauty and natural resources in northern areas and stressed the need to showcase it to the world. Gandapur said the country’s economy could be greatly strengthened if tourism to these areas is promoted.

Speaking on the release of funds for the region, he said the decision for funds cannot be made until the decision for NFC award. The finance minister has written a letter to four provinces to nominate their representatives in this regard, he added.

According to the secretary of the ministry, the matter for G-B Order 2018 is being deferred by the Supreme Court and a summary to represent G-B on national forums is being considered.

Gandapur said that the government had not lifted the subsidy on wheat “while people of G-B have been given a five-year tax holiday”. He also said that several projects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would also be kicked off in G-B.