‘Valley of Blood’ portrays Kashmiris’ suffering

A stage drama titled “Khoon Ki Wadi (Valley of Blood)” which was based on the atrocities committed by Indian forces against the Kashmiri people of Occupied Kashmir, was presented at the Punjab Arts Council (PAC) on Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The play was written by Aamir Zaryab and directed by Manwar Afridi. It featured acting talents such as Arshad Khan, Karim Khan, Shazia Sheikh, Rabia Shah, Yaqub Sheikh, Kashif Raza, Hamid, Parvez Malik, Saim and others. The artists gave a heart-touching performance that drove the message of injustices done against oppressed people at home.

A large number of people from the twin cities had turned up to watch the play. The chief guest invited at the event was PCA Board of Management President, Saqib Rafiq. Speaking on the day, he said “Human rights violations committed by India in Occupied Kashmir are unprecedented in history and the silence of world powers on this grave matter is sad.”

He went on to assure that Pakistan will continue to provide political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiris and asserted that the United Nations will have to play its role in solving the Kashmir problem. He concluded his speech by congratulating all the actors and crew involved in the drama for presenting their best performance.

PAC Director Waqar Ahmed while giving context to the Kashmir problem said “On August 5, 2019, the special status of Kashmir was abolished, and this only led to the freedom spirit of Kashmiris heightening.”

“Kashmir is suffering the most atrocities. Human rights organisations around the world are also aggrieved about the worst kind of state terrorism that is going on over there. But the silence of the United Nations and the European Union on the violation of human rights in the occupied valley is beyond comprehension,” he expressed.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th 2024.