Timeline of events: Nation set to observe Kashmir Day on Feb 5

Various public and private organisations will organise special events across the country to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5. The event will take place between Friday and Saturday to show unwavering support to the Kashmiris for their right to self-determination.

In this regard, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) will stage a protest in front of the United Nations Office in Islamabad and present a memorandum to remind it to fulfill its promise made on Kashmir in 1948, and highlight Indian atrocities being committed against innocent Kashmiris.

The Senate will hold a thorough debate on the Kashmir issue on Friday to highlight the plight of people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), expressing complete solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris.

“There will be no business other than the discussion on Kashmir issue on Friday,” Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani said during the ongoing session.

The upper house of parliament has also planned to hold a sitting in Muzaffarabad during the current session.

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The Cross Route Club (CRC) will kick-off its planned event in the similar way as previous years, with the 11th Kashmir Day Tour to create the longest human chain on Mangla Bridge.

The tour participants will gather on February 4 at Muridke and depart for Mirpur, Azad Kashmir the same day. The ceremony will be conducted the next day commencing from 8:30am.

The Directorate of Sports, Culture and Tourism Capital Development Authority, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has also planned several activities on February 4 and 5 in the capital.

According to MCI’s Focal Person Dr M Abdullah Tabassum, the directorate planned these functions to strengthen the bond and reiterate the message that, "We, the Pakistani nation, are with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, and are wholly dedicated for their freedom".

The first function in line is an art competition for kids on February 4, which will start at 2pm at the Arts and Craft Village. Children from all schools can participate in this contest where they can either sketch, paint and deliver a speech or take part in the quiz designed for this important day.

On February 5, a cricket matches to pay tribute to the Kashmiri martyrs will be played at F-9 Park starting from 10am. Various local teams are anticipated to take part in the event.

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Moreover, a huge human children flag will be formed on the same day at the Arts and Craft Village, at 11am for which school children will volunteer. “About 2,000 children will be taking part in this activity,” Dr Abdullah added.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat and senior officials of the directorate will be gracing these events.

Likewise, Lahore Museum has arranged numerous activities with reference to the day. An exhibition titled “Arts & Crafts of Kashmir” showcasing the Kashmiri cultural artifacts will be open for visitors from February 3 to 15.

On February 5, a virtual lecture will be delivered by the museum on Arts and Crafts of Kashmir over Facebook, besides a documentary on Kashmir on the museum’s LCD screen.

There will also be a rally of the museum staff to express solidarity with Kashmiris, besides participation of the staff in protest rallies organised by the Government of Punjab.

In Bahawalpur, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur has planned solidarity walk in coordination with Character Building Society on February 3 (Thursday) at 9:30am.