ISLAMABAD: Kashmir Solidarity Day will be observed on February 5 (today) across Pakistan with a pledge to get the Kashmir issue resolved according to the United Nations resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiris.
The hallmark of the day will be when Pakistani and Kashmiri representatives and people from different walks of life will reiterate complete solidarity by forming human chain on Kohala bridge, an entry point of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The day will dawn with special prayers for the martyrs of Kashmir and victory of the freedom struggle. During the day, mass rallies, seminars, walks, conventions, meetings and speech contests will be held.
The government has announced February 5 as a holiday to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day.
The day will signify political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination.
One-minute silence will be observed at 10am across the country in connection with the day.
People have also been requested to observe the silence to pay homage to Kashmiri martyrs.
Like other parts of Pakistan, brisk preparations are afoot throughout AJK to mark the day.
The legislators of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and the AJK Council will pay tribute to the people of Indian-held Kashmir for their continuous struggle to achieve their right of self-determination.
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA would observe the day with great fervour and will renew their pledge and unwavering support to Kashmiris till they get their legitimate right of self-determination and become free from Indian subjugation.
The civil society, political, cultural and educational organisations have arranged special programmes in connection with this important day.
All Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Teachers Association, All Primary Teachers Association and labour and transport unions have also chalked out various programmes.
In Islamabad, members of the Kashmir Committee of the National Assembly would visit the offices of the United Nations to present a memorandum calling on India to grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will host a dinner for prominent Kashmiris in Islamabad.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry will arrange a briefing for all foreign missions in Islamabad on the latest situation in Kashmir.
While Pakistani foreign missions abroad will hold receptions for Kashmiris and rallies and processions will also be taken out.
Other events will include photo exhibitions to show atrocities of Indian security forces and publication of articles in newspapers.
The Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan minister will distribute ration among the Kashmiri refugee families.
Television channels will air special programmes and interviews of different personalities to highlight different aspects of Kashmir issue.
The Punjab Assembly is likely to meet to express solidarity with the Kashmiris.
According to sources, PA Speaker Rana Iqbal would chair the session and the House will pass a resolution condemning the atrocities of Indian forces on innocent Kashmiris in the held valley.
The day is a reminder of the sacrifices rendered by tens of thousands of Kashmiris, besides renewal of commitment by Kashmiris to peaceful resolution of the decades old dispute with India.
