On the occasion of ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ on Thursday 5th February 2015 think tank MUSLIM Institute organized a rally from China Chowk to National Press Club Islamabad wherein large number of people from all walks of life including civil society, diplomats, politics and social sector, students, lawyers, journalists and Kashmiri representatives participated.

Participants of rally held placards and banners inscribed with the slogans for right of self-determination for Kashmiris, appreciation for their struggle, solidarity with them, condemnation of state terrorism and torment by Indian forces in Kashmir and demanding implementation of resolutions of United Nations for settlement of Kashmir issue.

Among the others, Former Ambassador & Secretary General for Foreign Affairs Mr. Akram Zaki, Former Ambassador and Additional Secretary Mr. Munawar Saeed Bhatti, Kashmiri leader Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan, Vice Chairman Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Mr. Saleem Haroon, representatives of MUSLIM Institute Mr. Ahmad Raza and Mr. Tahir Mehmood addressed the participants of Rally.

Speaking on the occasion the speakers said that Kashmir solidarity day is observed by Pakistani nation and it shows that whole Pakistani nation and Kashmiris of Azad Kasmir stand with the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir. This day is of symbolic significance and is observe for solidarity with Kashmiris. Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris and Pakistani nation is their lawyer. Hearts of Kashmiris and Pakistanis beat together.

Throwing light on history of Kashmir issue the speakers said that struggle of Kashmiris for their freedom started in 1947 and continues till date. When British left the sub-Continent, all states were given choice to opt for their future. Kashmiris decided in July 1947 to opt for Pakistan. Maharaja of Kashmir signed a stand-still agreement with Pakistan which meant that he would accept Pakistan as successor of British but through conspiracy India occupied Jammu & Kashmir in October. Then the conflict rose and India took the issue to United Nations which passed resolutions for right of self-determination and both Pakistan and India agreed on it. But after that India backed out and Congress didn’t honor the commitment made by Nehru. India is trying to linger on the issue and is trying now to start settlement of Hindu community in Kashmir. Indians have realized the situation that Kashmiris will never accept the status quo and therefore it is looking to change the demography of Kashmir. The election held in Kashmir under the shelter of Indian military forces was mere show-off democracy. Furthermore settlement of Hindus in Kashmir is artificial dressing of democratic front to counter the self-determination struggle. In last twenty five years more than hundred thousand people have laid down their lives during the struggle for right of self-determination. Third generation of Kashmiris is struggling for their rights. Indian atrocities are going on in Kashmir on daily basis.

Speakers further said that Kashmir remains a nuclear flashpoint between two nuclear states. International community has promised for provision of right of self determination to Kashmiris but hasn’t given that attention to this issue which it demands. Solution to Kashmir issue is necessary for stability of South Asia. Exchange of fire on Working Boundary and Line of Control is because of unresolved Kashmir issue. In the current era world is witnessing change of borders in many regions. East Timor and South Sudan are its examples where borders change via plebiscite. People of Scotland were also given right to choose for their own future. If international community can solve other issues, why issue of Kashmir is unresolved in 68 years? The double standards in this regard should be finished and Kashmiris should be provided with the right of self-determination. U.S President Obama before elections said that he will appoint special envoy for Kashmir but after elections it didn’t happen.

Speakers said that according to history, when people are determined, ultimately they get their freedom. Aggressor cannot sustain illegal occupation for long and ultimately people get freedom. Pakistan is continuously raising the issue in UN and it will continue to raise it on all international forums. Pakistan will continue every sort of political, moral and diplomatic support for Kashmiris in this regard. United Nations, Red Crescent, international human rights organizations should take steps to force India for provision of right of self-determination to Kashmiris which is only solution to Kashmir issue.