Pakistanis observe ‘Kashmir Hour’ to express solidarity with Kashmiris

The ‘Kashmir Hour’ was observed throughout the country, with the national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) played in a show of solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris. 

Both the anthems were aired on all television and radio channels. The people and traffic stood still as the national anthems were played. The rally started with the recitation of the Holy Quran.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who requested all Pakistanis to come out on Friday to send a message of solidarity, was leading the rally outside the PM Secretariat. 

All the chief ministers and parliamentarians also gathered outside the CM Secretariat buildings.

Addressing the rally, PM Imran said, "Our Kashmiris are going through a difficult phase. Approximately eight million Kashmiris for the last four weeks have been locked under curfew.” 

He added that the purpose of 'Kashmir Hour' was to send a message from Pakistan that until Kashmiris get their freedom we [Pakistanis] would continue to stand with them. “We will stand with them till the last breath.”

The prime minister further said it was important to understand the type of government in India which was oppressing people. “We need to understand the ideology of RSS [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]. This was a party which was motivated by hatred for Muslims. This party was inspired by Hitler’s Nazi party.” 

"The entire world is watching what is happening in Kashmir. The world reaction would have been stronger if Kashmiris has not been Muslims," he added. 

"Till Kashmir is not independent, I will continue to fight for their freedom at every forum,” PM Imran asserted. 

"I will raise the issue at the UN General Assembly. We saw the effect of Nazi Germany on the world and millions died in the second world war as a result of it,” the prime minister said. “If today the world does not stand against Modi’s fascist government, it will not stop here."

He added, "We know India wants to remove the world attention by doing a false flag operation like Balakot and will do something in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.”

Calling out the international community, PM Imran said, “I want to clearly give a message that we will reply to any Indian action. Our armed forces are ready for anything.”

“I keep telling the world and every international outlet that if they remain quiet about Kashmir issue and the atrocities in the valley, the entire world will suffer because of that,” he added.  

He further added, "India didn’t let media go into Srinagar, this should tell the entire world exactly what sort of cruelty is being perpetrated there."

"In the end, my heart is telling me that Narendra Modi, what he’s doing in IoK in his arrogance. He has played his last card. Kashmir will be free now," the prime minister added.

Separately, President Arif Alvi while addressing a rally said if we all were united in our cause we could free Kashmir. “The government of Pakistan and people are standing with Kashmiris.”

“We will reply to Indian propaganda on every forum,” President Alvi said, adding that they will also observe solidarity next week as well. 

Pakistan and AJK flags were distributed among the public. There will also be special sermons and prayers for Kashmiri people during Jummah prayers countrywide. 

There were also public awareness messages by prominent figures about Kashmir mobilisation campaign on print and electronic media on Friday.

‘Kashmir Banayga Pakistan’ logo was also displayed on TV channels.

Furthermore, there was an engagement of the political leadership including opposition leaders to showing solidarity with Kashmiris through maximum participation for a unified message to the international community.

Parliamentarians also held rallies in their respective areas against Indian aggression in the occupied valley. Flags, badges and other items depicting Kashmir solidarity were distributed among people particularly youth and children across the country.

The day was observed in a befitting manner through different activities which were organised by trade unions, corporations, chambers, civil society and people from different walks of life.