‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ observed in Punjab
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, flanked by activists and lawmakers, lead a ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ rally in Lahore. PHOTO AWAIS BASHIR/EXPRESS
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar led the ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ rally to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
A large number of activists and provincial ministers participated in the rally and paid rich tributes to the struggle of the Kashmiri people.
Provincial Ministers Dr Yasmeen Rashid, Hussain Jahanian Gardezi, Dr Akhtar Malik, Khayal Ahmad Castro, Taimur Khan Bhatti, Adviser to Punjab Governor on Youth Affairs Aslam Daula, Political Secretary to Governor Mian Kashif Iqbal, PTI Central Member Mian Waheed Ahmad, Former Spokesperson Punjab Raja Asad Iqbal participated in the rally.
They shouted slogans against atrocities of the Indian army and Indian premier Narendra Modi in the occupied territory.
Addressing the rally participants and later to the media, Sarwar said Prime Minister Imran Khan has emerged as the ambassador of Kashmir in the world.
He also appreciated Minister of Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s efforts to highlight Kashmir cause at all forums besides Pakistani ambassadors and overseas Pakistanis around the world who have raised their voices for the liberation of Indian occupied Kashmir as well as against Indian terrorism.
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He said regional peace was possible only if the Kashmir issue is resolved as per the United Nations’ resolutions. “Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan. The day is not far when Kashmir will be free from Indian occupation.”
He said the whole population and all political and religious parties in Pakistan stand with their Kashmiri brothers.
The governor said Indian forces were involved in state terrorism in Kashmir, adding that 96,000 Kashmiris have been martyred due to Indian terrorism in Kashmir. Over 22,000 Kashmiri women have been widowed whereas Indian forces have killed 7,187 detained Kashmiris.
Provincial ministers Dr Akhtar Malik, Hasnain Jahanian Gardezi and Taimur Khan Bhatti also termed Prime Minister Imran Khan as the ambassador of Kashmiris.
Kashmiris will be free one day because regional peace will remain a distant dream unless the Kashmir issue is resolved as per the UN resolutions.
Every Pakistani is with Kashmiri brothers and sisters and support Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. The provincial ministers further said that Indian terrorism in Kashmir is highly condemnable.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2021.