On the solemn occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Justice (retd) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah, the Caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, expressed profound solidarity with the people of Kashmir, underscoring the unwavering commitment of both the province and its government to stand by their Kashmiri brethren in their struggle for justice and self-determination.
In a resolute statement, he reiterated that the right to self-determination is an inalienable and fundamental right of the Kashmiri people, one that cannot be suppressed through coercive measures or oppression by the Indian government.
Chief Minister Shah called upon the international community and human rights organizations to take decisive action and intervene in the dire situation prevailing in occupied Kashmir. He urged them to recognize and address the grave human rights violations perpetrated by the Indian authorities and to work towards the implementation of United Nations resolutions that guarantee the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
He emphasized that the decades-long struggle of the Kashmiri people for freedom and justice is unparalleled and deserves the earnest attention and support of the global community.
The chief minister vehemently condemned the unilateral decision of the Indian government to revoke the special status of occupied Kashmir and the subsequent imposition of a stringent lockdown by Indian forces.
He emphasized that such actions only serve to exacerbate tensions and perpetuate suffering among the Kashmiri populace. He stressed the urgent need for a peaceful and equitable resolution to the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, emphasizing that sustainable peace in the region hinges upon addressing this longstanding conflict.
Meanwhile, the Arts Council organized a poignant event to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day, featuring a series of activities aimed at raising awareness and expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
The event commenced with a solemn flag hoisting ceremony, where the flags of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were raised in unison as a symbol of solidarity and resilience. A minute of silence was observed to honor the countless Kashmiris enduring oppression and hardship in occupied territory, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for international intervention.
The exhibition showcased a variety of artistic expressions, including thought-provoking tableaus, impassioned speeches, and soul-stirring Kashmiri song competitions, all aimed at highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people and amplifying their voices on the global stage.
Representatives from the All Party Hurriyat Conference Azad Kashmir Pakistan Chapter, including Sheikh Abdul Mateen and Information Secretary Imtiaz Wani, reiterated the urgency of addressing the Kashmir issue and reaffirmed the Kashmiri people’s steadfast demand for self-determination as a prerequisite for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2024.
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