Rawalpindi, The Punjab Arts Council organized a rally and a photographic exhibition in Rawalpindi to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day, with the aim of expressing support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination under United Nations resolutions. The event, led by the Director of the Arts Council Waqar Ahmed, also saw participation from Deputy Director Muhammad Shakoor and Assistant Director Muhammad Suleman, alongside a significant turnout from the showbiz community of the root cities.
According to Punjab Arts Council, Waqar Ahmed highlighted the council’s condemnation of human rights violations and atrocities committed by India in illegally occupied Kashmir. He praised the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of self-determination rights. The speakers at the rally provided stark figures to illustrate the ongoing conflict, including the reported martyrdom of 96,285 Kashmiris by Indian forces over the past 33 years and the detention of around 170,000 citizens in various Indian jails.
The rally and exhibition aimed to bring to light the continuous violations against Kashmiris, emphasizing that despite decades of oppression, the spirit and morale of the Kashmiri people remain unbroken. The event also underscored the significant political change on August 5, 2019, when India revoked the special status of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, further inflaming tensions and violating UN resolutions.
The participation of artists and public figures in the rally served to amplify the message of solidarity and support for the Kashmiri cause, drawing attention to the cultural and human impact of the long-standing dispute. The Punjab Arts Council’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people through artistic and cultural expressions.