All arrangements have been finalised to observe Kashmir Solidarity day on February 5 to express unity with people of Occupied Kashmir in their fight against Indian subjugation.

The Day is being marked in Pakistan since 1990 to pay homage to Kashmiri martyrs and highlight the plight for their birth right to self-determination, promised to them by the international community under the resolutions of United Nations Security Council. There would be a public holiday on the Day.

It is obligation of the world community to ensure a United Nations sponsored plebiscite in Kashmir according to wishes of the people of Kashmir. On the Day one minute’s silence would be observed throughout the country at 10.00 a.m. by blowing sirens.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan and AJK Prime Minister, Chaudhry Abdul Majid would issue special messages in connection with Kashmir day, expressing solidarity with people of Occupied Kashmir. President Zardari and Prime Minister Ashraf will address the joint session of the AJK Legislative Assembly and the Council. A Kashmir Convention will be held in Islamabad in which tribute will be paid to martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to get their birth right to self-determination.

The prime minister will host a dinner in honour of prominent Kashmiri leaders in Islamabad. A briefing will be arranged for all foreign mission in Islamabad on the latest situation in Occupied Kashmir, while all major mission abroad will arrange receptions for Pakistanis and Kashmiris.

Rallies, processions, seminars and photo exhibitions would also be arranged by Pakistani mission abroad. Packets containing ration will be given to each family living in refugee camps on behalf of people of Pakistan.

A painting exhibition on Kashmir culture will be held at Lok Virsa where Kashmiri songs will be played and photos will be displayed. National Council of Arts would arrange Art Bazaar on Kashmir, puppet show and distribution of poster and badges.

Rallies, demonstrations, human chains by men, women and children will be held at various cities of the country, Azad Kashmir and the connecting points between Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to express solidarity with the struggling Kashmiris. Screening of video documentaries on Kashmir with emphasis on human rights violation would also be showed.

International Community’s attention will be drawn towards Indian atrocities and barbarities, stressing it to play role in resolution of the Kashmir issue. Special functions will be held in educational institutions to apprise the new generation with the Kashmir issue and heroic struggle of the Kashmiri nation for their rights. Essay writing competition with relevance to the Day in schools, colleges and universities would also be arranged.

Television channels and Radio will air special programmes to highlight the different aspects of the Kashmir issue, particularly Indian atrocities against innocent Kashmiris.

Directions have also been issued to Civil Aviation authorities for their cooperation with regard to display of Kashmir Solidarity Day banners at international airports.