Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir with rallies, awareness walks, seminars, special ceremonies, and prayers across the province, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination while condemning India’s August 5, 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
A central solidarity rally was held in Peshawar from the Chief Minister’s House to the Governor’s House, attended by Faisal Karim Kundi, Special Assistant for Home Affairs Tariq Saeed Marwat, officials of the district administration, civil society representatives, traders, and people from various walks of life.
In his message, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said the entire Pakistani nation stood firmly with the people of Kashmir and that all political forces in Pakistan were united on the Kashmir issue. He urged the international community and the United Nations to take notice of human rights violations in the disputed territory and play an effective role in ensuring the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions.
Similar events, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, rallies, awareness walks, seminars, patriotic songs, speeches, and special prayers, were held in Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, Kohat, Mardan, Mohmand, Tank, Hangu, Swabi, Mansehra, Upper and Lower Chitral, and several other districts. Speakers reiterated Pakistan’s continued political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people.
A separate solidarity rally was also organized at the Peshawar Sports Complex by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports. The event was attended by Director General Sports Tashfeen Haider, Commandant Tourism Police Shah Nawaz Naveed, athletes, officials, and government employees. Speakers described August 5, 2019 as a “black day” in South Asian history and reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri cause.
The Capital Metropolitan Government Peshawar also organized a rally led by Mazdoor Ittehad Chairman Qaiser Bacha. Similar solidarity events were held in Drosh, Buffa Pakhal, Razar, and other areas, where government officials, students, civil society members, traders, and local residents participated in large numbers.
However, local social groups in Takht Bhai expressed disappointment over the limited observance of the day, urging authorities to organize more comprehensive and dignified events on future occasions of national significance.