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Pakistan stands in solidarity with Kashmiris

Pakistan stands in solidarity with Kashmiris
August 30, 2019
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – On the appeal of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistanis came out to observe Kashmir Hour and gave strong message to the world that Pakistan stood in solidarity with Kashmiris. The main event of Kashmir Hour was held at Islamabad’s Constitution Avenue where the prime minister delivered an address to a charged crowd. Federal ministers and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have also gathered at D-Chowk, while government employees also came out of their offices to participate in Kashmir Hour on the streets. In Islamabad, the main event held outside the Prime Minister's Office where a large gathering was addressed by the prime minister. Along with the premier, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Prime Minister's Special Assistant Naeem ul Haque are also in attendance. The national anthem and Kashmir’s anthem were played at the start of the event. Addressing the audience, PM Imran Khan said the world must recognise and condemn the atrocities being inflicted on Kashmiris by the Indian government. “We have to understand the ideology of the BJP and RSS. The RSS believes Hindus are superior to all others – their manifesto is to either force Muslims out of India or treat them as second class citizens. The RSS rhetoric has captured India just like the Nazi party held Germany hostage,” he said. He said India was planning a ‘false flag’ attack to escalate the situation but warned New Delhi that Pakistan would respond with greater force if that happened. Another event is being held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr where President Arif Alvi addressed the crowd. 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. Muslims in India are also facing cruelty,” President Alvi said, adding that they will also observe solidarity next week as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2ZkWIQJop8 Sirens blared across the country as the clock struck noon and traffic signals turned red on all thoroughfares of the federal capital, Islamabad. The National Anthem was played along with the anthem of Kashmir. Education institutions, government and private offices, banks, traders, lawyers and military authorities are taking part in the events. All traffic signals turned red at noon. It was earlier reported that ambulances would be allowed to move without any hindrance as one of the lanes of roads would remain clear for emergency services. In Karachi, the children students reached at Quid-e-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi and expressed solidarity with Kashmiri people. Sindh Governor Imran Ismail was also addressed the audience. According to the railways ministry, all trains were to stop for one minute and all railway workers were to take part in Kashmir Hour events. Similarly, officials and employees of the National Highway Authority (NHA) were set to gather at the NHA headquarters and attend a ceremony in which national anthems of Pakistan and Kashmir were to be played. The officials of the secretariat blocks/ministries would gather at R-Block to attend a Kashmir Hour event. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Kashmir day ceremonies will be attended by civil and military officials across the country. ISPR Director General Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor urged the youth, particularly students, to attend the Kashmir Hour events to express solidarity with Kashmiris. Celebrities and cricketers have also appealed to the public to come out for Kashmir Hour.