ISLAMABAD: Black Day is being observed on Wednesday across the country and on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people and lodge protest against grave human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir. According to KMS, Rallies and functions are being held across the country and Azad Kashmir to draw attention of the world towards this issue of Kashmir. All officials of the federal and provincial governments were wearing black arms band while on duty to show political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. Special prayers would also be held after Zohar prayer for martyrs of Kashmir. In big cities, banners have been displayed at conspicuous places inscribing slogans in favour of the Kashmiris freedom struggle. These include ‘dawn with Indian occupation’, ‘stop atrocities against Kashmiris’, ‘grant right of self-determination to Kashmiris’ and ‘international community should take notice of human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir’. A large number of political, social, academic and non-governmental organisations were observing this day to highlight the plight of Kashmiri people in Occupied Kashmir. Special functions, seminars and protest rallies are being taken out by various organizations to record the protest. Call for the observance of the Black Day has been given by the government of Pakistan and Hurriyet leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmed Shah and Aasiya Andrabi. The observance of the Black Day is aimed at registering protest against the killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Wani, his associates and 48 peaceful protesters by Indian troops and police since 8th July. Black flags have been hoisted on homes, offices and vehicles to condemn Indian brutalities on the innocent people of the occupied territory. Black Day against the Indian security forces atrocities on innocent Kashmiri people in the Indian-held Kashmir was also observed in Lahore like other parts of the country.