Rallies mark the Kashmir Black Day

Kashmir solidarity rallies were held across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to show support to the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir on Friday.

To express unwavering support and solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir, K-P chief minister, governor and members of the caretaker cabinet also brought out a solidarity rally in Peshawar.

Kashmir Black Day is observed every year to protest against the Indian illegal occupation and to remind the world community of its commitments regarding the implementation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that advocate the right to plebiscite for Kashmiris.

October 27 is observed as a black day as on this day Indian forces landed in Srinagar in 1947, starting a chapter of occupation, subjugation and oppression for the innocent people living in the occupied valley.

Imtiaz Iqbal Wani, the Information Secretary of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, also attended the rally.

Following the rally, Wani convened a special meeting with K-P’s Information Minister, Barrister Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel, to extend heartfelt appreciation to the provincial government and its people for their resolute support of the oppressed Kashmiri population.

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During the meeting, Minister Kakakhel delivered a poignant message, emphasizing the profound pain felt on October 27 as he stated, “Our hearts bleed for the sufferings endured by our Kashmiri brethren. The atrocities they face, one day, we believe that the government of India will have to reckon with them, and Kashmir will find its rightful place within Pakistan.”

He continued, “Our solidarity and sympathy are unyielding; they were there seven decades ago, they remain today, and they shall endure until the end of time.”

He said that we also vehemently condemn the cruelty and inhumanity inflicted upon our Palestinian brothers, sisters, and children, urging the OIC and the United Nations to play their role in reaching a lasting resolution to this crisis. “World peace hinges on Kashmir and Palestine resolution,” the minister said.

Kakakhel also emphasized the need to strengthen Pakistan’s military institutions against any propaganda or campaigns launched against them, acknowledging Pakistan’s significance on the international stage. He expressed gratitude towards All-Parties Hurriyat Conference Secretary Information for joining the rally, assuring that Pakistan, K-P, and its citizens will always stand beside their Kashmiri brethren.

Wani, in the meeting, lauded the profound message conveyed by the K-P government and its residents through their participation in the rally. He asserted, “The presence of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet members, the chief minister, the governor, and information minister Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel sends a powerful message to India that the people of IIOK are not alone; everyone in Pakistan stands with them.”

Wani extended his heartfelt thanks to the people of K-P for their enduring support, expressing his belief in a brighter future for IIOK as part of Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2023.