By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: “Kashmir is our jugular vein. Kashmir will certainly be liberated, and the unparalleled sacrifices of its brave people will never go in vain,” said Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, while leading the grand Kashmir Solidarity Walk from Aiwan-e-Auqaf to GPO Chowk, Lahore, on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day).
The walk was attended by a large number of religious scholars, Mashaikh, Auqaf officers, employees, and members of civil society, while similar Kashmir Solidarity rallies, seminars, special prayer gatherings, and awareness events were organized across all divisional and district headquarters of Punjab under the auspices of the Auqaf Department in collaboration with the district administration, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Addressing the participants, Dr. Bhutta stated that India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019 constituted a blatant violation of the United Nations resolutions, international law, and fundamental human rights, but could never suppress the unwavering spirit of freedom of the Kashmiri people.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue extending its principled moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people’s internationally recognized right to self-determination and expressed confidence that the day was not far when Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir would attain freedom.
Paying glowing tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir, he also saluted the unmatched courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces defending the country’s borders and the Line of Control. Dr. Bhutta urged government employees to uphold integrity, transparency, dedication, and hard work in the discharge of their national responsibilities so that Pakistan continues to emerge as a stronger, more prosperous, and stable nation and remains a steadfast voice for the oppressed people of Kashmir.
He reiterated the Auqaf Department’s commitment to promoting national unity, interfaith harmony, peace, and full cooperation with all initiatives of the Governments of Pakistan and Punjab aimed at highlighting the Kashmir issue at international forums. The event concluded with a special collective prayer for the early freedom of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, the success and safety of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, and the peace, stability, and prosperity of Pakistan.
