Daily Times

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 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.

Like other parts of Pakistan, brisk preparations are afoot throughout AJK to mark the day.

In his message, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged India to stop bloodbath in the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and allow holding of free and fair plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations.

He said for the last seven decades, India had denied the valiant people of Indian-held Kashmir (IHK), the right to self-determination promised to them by the international community through numerous UN Security Council Resolutions.

“Pakistan calls upon the international community to raise its voice in seeking an end to the gross violations of human rights and the reign of terror unleashed by Indian occupation forces in IHK and fulfill the promises it made with the people of Jammu and Kashmir 70 years ago,” he said in a message on the Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain said the dream for peace in the region would remain elusive until resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of people of Indian-held Kashmir (IHK).

He said Jammu and Kashmir is the core dispute between India and Pakistan.

He observed that Indian state terrorism had failed to deter the Kashmiris in their struggle for freedom from the Indian oppression.