ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan on Wednesday celebrated its 73rd Independence Day with national zeal and fervor as Kashmir Solidarity Day to express full support to Kashmiri brethren reeling from renewed Indian repression, the Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency reported.
The decision to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14 as Kashmir Solidarity Day had been taken in the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held in Islamabad on August 7 after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 and 35-A of the Constitution to repeal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Special Status.
It was one of the measures initiated by Pakistan against India along with the suspension of bilateral trade and train services, downgrading of diplomatic ties and moving the international forums against India’s illegal and unilateral steps.
The political and military leadership in their remarks on Kashmir Solidarity Day reaffirmed its pledge to extend all-out support to Kashmiris brethren and stand by them in all thick and thin.
While addressing as Chief Guest at the Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad in connection with the 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan, President Dr Arif Alvi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to always stand with its Kashmiri brethren in their just right to self-determination.
The president urged India to stop its brutal treatment of Kashmiris, grant communication access to people and restore civic and social liberties of the people of the occupied territory.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also visited the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, and addressed the Kashmiri lawmakers.
The prime minister assured the AJK leadership of his full support to take the Kashmir issue to the world.
“I am now the Ambassador of the people of Kashmir.”
– Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI #PakIndependenceWithKashmir #14thAugust pic.twitter.com/HcLK5Fryqk— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 14, 2019
“We will use all international forums to help sensitize the world on gravity and enormity of the Kashmir situation,” he said.
Imran Khan said that he will forcefully present the Kashmir case in the upcoming UN General Assembly Session in New York.
Terming the revocation of special status of Occupied Kashmir, the prime minister said that it is a strategic blunder of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will have to pay a heavy price for it. He said that by this step Indian unknowingly internationalized the issue and the whole world is watching the situation with concern.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan also met All Parties Hurriyat Conference members (AJK Chapter) and Kashmiri leaders in Muzaffarabad.
In his statement on Independence & Kashmir Solidarity Day, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed said that we shall stand in the face of Indian tyranny regardless of the cost.
The Army Chief said that Pakistan Army is fully alive to the sanctity of Jammu & Kashmir and will remain fully ready to perform its part in line with our national duty for Kashmir cause.
The COAS said that the reality of Kashmir was neither changed by an illegal piece of paper in 1947 nor will any other do it now or in the future. He said that Pakistan has always stood by Kashmiris against India’s hegemonic ambitions, and will always do. “There can never be a compromise on Kashmir,” he remarked.
“Reality of #Kashmir was neither changed by an illegal piece of paper in 1947 nor will any other do it now or in future. Pakistan has always stood by Kashmiris against India’s hegemonic ambitions, will always do. There can never be a compromise on #Kashmir. (1 of2).
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 14, 2019
We shall stand in the face of tyranny, regardless of the cost. Pakistan Army is fully alive to the sanctity of Jammu & Kashmir and will remain fully ready to perform its part in line with our national duty for Kashmir cause”, COAS on Independence & Kashmir Solidarity Day. (2of2).
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 14, 2019
As part of Kashmir Solidarity Day observed today, a number of rallies were also taken across the Country including in Islamabad, Quetta and South Waziristan in solidarity with brave Kashmiris and their just struggle for their right of self-determination, and also in condemnation of abolishing the Special Status of the Occupied Kashmir by India.
The participants of the rallies carried placards and banners inscribed with slogans condemning the Indian atrocities in the Occupied Territory. They appealed the International Community to take notice of the Indian illegal move and play their role in giving right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people under the United Nations resolutions.
