Read a special article Kashmir: The bleeding Valley to click this link
ISLAMABAD: The Kashmir Solidarity Day is being observed across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday with full zeal and fervour to express solidarity with the people of Indian-held Kashmir and pay tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs.
The day is observed every year on February 5 to draw attention of the world community to the lingering Kashmir dispute and for its early resolution.
The day dawned with the special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and early liberation of occupied Kashmir. It is a public holiday today, while one minute silence was observed at 10am to express solidarity with Kashmiri brethren.
In their messages on the Kashmir solidarity day, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have reiterated that Pakistan is firmly committed to its principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir.
The president said that observance of the day every year is a reaffirmation of our moral‚ political and diplomatic support towards our Kashmiri brethren in their just struggle for fundamental rights including the right to self-determination.
The prime minister said that Pakistan will continue playing its constructive role towards peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute. He reaffirmed to stand by Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their valiant struggle for their just cause.
On the other hand, the joint session of the AJK Legislative Assembly and AJK Legislative Council is in progress in Muzaffarabad to express complete solidarity with the people of Occupied Kashmir. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is also present to address the meeting.
Earlier‚ on arrival at Muzaffarabad‚ the prime minister was received by AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan‚ Prime Minister Chaudhary Abdul Majeed and the cabinet ministers.
A smartly turned out police contingent presented guard of honour to the Prime Minister.
Functions‚ seminars and rallies are being held and human chains would be formed at various bridges connecting Azad Kashmir with Pakistan.
In Lahore‚ Forum for Kashmir is organizing a seminar at the Lahore press club this afternoon in which former caretaker Prime Minister Muhammad Mian Soomro will be the chief guest.
In Peshawar‚ Yom-e-Yakjehti Kashmir rally will be taken out from Hashtnaghri Chowk to Ashraf Road. Senior provincial Minister Sirajul Haq will lead the rally.
