Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Punjab, Azma Bokhari, stated that February 5 – Kashmir Solidarity Day – represents the unmatched sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and their continued struggle against Indian oppression. She said there is not a single day in Pakistan when solidarity with Kashmiris is not expressed, adding that the entire nation stands firmly with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
She said that Occupied Kashmir has turned into the world’s largest prison, where Kashmiris are deprived of basic human rights and even the freedom to live according to their own will. Despite decades of oppression by Indian forces, Kashmiris have remained steadfast in their demand for the right to self-determination for more than seventy years, and even the presence of eight hundred thousand Indian troops has failed to suppress their spirit of freedom.
Azma Bokhari further stated that Kashmiri youth continue to face bullets with courage, while Kashmiri mothers and sisters endure immense hardships; yet their resolve remains strong. She said the people of Punjab stand shoulder to shoulder with Kashmiris, and Pakistan will continue to support them at diplomatic, moral, and humanitarian levels.
She emphasized that Kashmir remains a vital and integral part of Pakistan’s foreign policy, and Pakistan will continue to raise the voice of Kashmiris on international platforms. She expressed hope that the day of Kashmir’s freedom is near and that the Kashmiri people will soon achieve their right to independence.
The Provincial Minister also said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and does not believe in war hysteria; however, it fully reserves the right to defend itself and will respond decisively to any aggression.
On this occasion, Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani said that India has continued its oppression in Occupied Kashmir for decades, while Pakistan has consistently raised the voice of the Kashmiri people on global human rights forums and continues diplomatic efforts to end the illegal Indian occupation.
Earlier, Provincial Minister Azma Bokhari led a rally organized in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day. The rally was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan, Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, DGPR Farid Ahmad, Chairman Alhamra Arts Council Razi Ahmed, Executive Director Lahore Arts Council Muhammad Nawaz Gondal, Executive Director Punjab Arts Council Mehboob Alam Chaudhry, Director Majlis-e-Taraqqi-e-Adab Abbas Tabish, Kashmiri leaders, and a large number of citizens. Participants raised powerful slogans in support of Kashmir and reaffirmed their commitment to the cause of Kashmir’s freedom.