By Tanveer Ahmed
GILGIT: Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed throughout Gilgit-Baltistan with great reverence, enthusiasm, and a renewed commitment to support the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination. Citizens, government officials, elected representatives, and members of civil society took part in rallies and commemorative events across all districts of the Gilgit, Diamer, and Baltistan divisions.
In Gilgit city, the central rally began at Government Boys High School No. 1 and concluded at Ittehad Chowk, drawing participation from provincial ministers, senior officials, and citizens. Participants carried banners and placards expressing solidarity with Kashmiris and condemning Indian atrocities. Addressing the gathering, Provincial Interior Minister Sajid Ali Baig and Provincial Minister for Forests Hafiz Sharafuddin reaffirmed that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan stand firmly with their Kashmiri brethren and pledged continued political and diplomatic support until the realization of Kashmir’s right to self-determination. They urged the international community to take serious notice of human rights violations in the occupied valley.
Similar rallies were held in Hunza, Nagar, and Ghizer districts, where the public expressed heartfelt support for the Kashmiri cause. In Baltistan Division, the day was marked in Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, and Kharmang. In Skardu, Caretaker Advisor for Women Development and Child Rights Protection Syeda Fatima Moosavi hoisted the national flag at the Administrative Complex, followed by a large public rally that passed through the city before culminating at Mohib Chowk. Addressing the gathering, Syeda Moosavi stated that Gilgit-Baltistan has consistently supported the oppressed Kashmiris and will continue to do so until their struggle achieves its rightful conclusion.
In Diamer and Astore, rallies were organized, including one in Astore that began from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and ended at Ali-ul-Murtaza Chowk. Speakers criticized the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the Modi government on August 5, 2019, as unjust and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri people.
Across Ghizer, Hunza, and Nagar, participants called on the international community to recognize the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions and to take immediate action to halt the ongoing repression in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
The events across Gilgit-Baltistan highlighted nationwide solidarity with Kashmiris and emphasized the region’s continued moral, political, and diplomatic support for their just struggle.
