PM plants Kashmir Freedom Tree on Black Day occasion

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has planted a sapling called ‘Kashmir Freedom Tree’ in Islamabad on the occasion of Kashmir Black Day being observed on Sunday.

Special prayers were held for the development of Pakistan and independence of held Kashmir on the occasion. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Aahsiq Awan and Minister of State for climate change Malik Amin Aslam were also present on the occasion.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman and Chief Minister Mehmood Khan also planted the ‘Kashmir Freedom Tree’ sapling at the Governor House in Peshawar to show solidarity with Kashmir.

PM Imran Khan has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue diplomatic, moral and political support to their Kashmiri brethren.

Speaking to a delegation of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, the prime minister said hearts of Pakistani people beat in unison with their Kashmiri brethren. He said government of Pakistan will highlight the issue of Kashmir at every level.

The Hurriyet leaders thanked the Prime Minister for strongly fighting the case of Kashmir before the world community.

Kashmiris are observing Black Day to convey to the world that India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is illegal, unjust and contrary to their aspirations.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the day was marked with a complete shutdown in occupied Kashmir. Indian authorities had further intensified restrictions and military clampdown in occupied Kashmir to prevent a march towards Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

Call for the march and the sit-in was given by the All Parties Hurriyet Conference led by Syed Ali Gilani. The deployment of the Indian forces was further enhanced in view of the protest mach.

The observance of the black day, this year, was also aimed at drawing attention of the international community towards the sufferings of the Kashmiri people due to the continued military lockdown imposed by India since August 5.

Meanwhile, life remains paralysed in Kashmir Valley and Muslim majority areas of Jammu region on the 84th consecutive day. Internet services across all platforms continue to be snapped.

In Islamabad, a protest demonstration was held outside the Indian High Commission in connection with Kashmir Black Day to condemn India’s forcible occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.