ISLAMABAD: People belonging to different sections of the society staged a rally here on Sunday and expressed solidarity with Kashmiris struggling for their right to self-determination in Indian Occupied Kashmir. The participants, who were carrying placards and banners inscribedwith different slogans, walked from China Chowk to the National Press Club. Different speakers in their speeches urged India to stop human rights violations in held Kashmir. They called upon the international community to force India to withdraw its troops from Occupied Kashmir and grant Kashmiris their right to self-determination. They said the Pakistani nation was united in its support of Kashmiris and Pakistan would continue to offer moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e- Islami (JI) on Sunday organised a rally here at G-9 Markaz to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day. JI Deputy Chief Mian Muhammad Aslam and JI parliamentary leader in the National Assembly Sahibzada Tariqullah led the rally. Addressing the rally, Mian Muhammad Aslam said geographically, historically and culturally, Kashmir was not only a part of Pakistan, but was its jugular vein as well. “We stand with Kashmiris in their struggle for right to self-determination,” he said. He urged the United Nations to take note of Indian brutalities in the occupied territory. MNA Sahibzada Tariqullah and other speakers also addressed the rally. The participants carried banners and placards inscribed with demands for freedom of Kashmir. They also chanted slogans against the Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri shawls: The demand for beautiful traditional and contemporary Kashmiri shawls in pastel colours has increased among womenfolk in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Kashmiri shawls are available at many handicraft shops in various sectors of Islamabad especially Jinnah Super Market and Super Market. The hand-woven soft multi-coloured shawls, dyed with natural colours and famous for their softness and warmth, are also available at Aabpara Market, Melody Market (G-6), Karachi Company (G-9) Super Market (F-6, Jinnah Super and Rana Market (F-7), I-10 Markaz, F-8 Markaz, F-10 Markaz, F-11, where a large number of female shoppers have been witnessed to purchase it. Pure pashmina shawl can carry a price above Rs 2, 000, most buyers prefer semi-pashmina shawls which are difficult to distinguish from the pure variety and are available in the price range of Rs 800 to Rs 1000. The exquisite shawls, famous for their intricate geometrical designs, carry special significance and depict the designs and colours on the walls of Kashmiri tradition though few are simple and plain. Fatima Gul said the real one pashmina shawl price ranges between 2000 to 20000 rupees. Amna Hassan said normally experienced ladies know and can judge by touch the fabric in hand whether is it pashmina or not. “You can judge the fabric purity by checking how much the stuff is soft, warm, and thin”.