Web Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi led a rally in Peshawar on Tuesday to mark Kashmir Black Day, with provincial advisers, Hurriyat leader Daud Khan Yousafzai, government officials, employees and students joining the event.
Participants protested against India’s control of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed solidarity with Kashmiris and their political struggle. They also observed a minute of silence to honour those who have lost their lives in the conflict.
Addressing the gathering, Kundi said Pakistan and communities around the world were observing Oct. 27 as a day of protest against India’s control of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said Pakistanis stood with Kashmiris and supported their right to determine their own future according to their aspirations.
“The people of Kashmir should be given the right to decide their future according to their aspirations,” Kundi said.
He added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, like Pakistanis elsewhere, supported the Kashmiri people.
Kundi said the rally conveyed Pakistan’s position that the country wanted the Kashmir dispute resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic role in regional affairs, saying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir had contributed to efforts aimed at bringing the United States and Iran toward negotiations.
According to Kundi, Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement demonstrated its commitment to promoting peace at a time when international diplomacy was facing significant challenges.
Kundi said Pakistan preferred a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute but warned that it should not be forced away from that approach.
He said Pakistan had the capability to defend itself and referred to the country’s response to recent tensions with India as evidence of its military preparedness.
“Pakistan wants to resolve the Kashmir issue through negotiations,” Kundi said, adding that Islamabad should not be compelled to abandon the peaceful path.
The governor assured Kashmiris that Pakistan would continue to support them through difficult times.
He expressed hope that the dispute would eventually be resolved and that Kashmiris would be able to live according to their aspirations.
Provincial advisers Samar Bilour, Dr Amir Abdullah and Kifayatullah, along with Hurriyat leader Daud Khan Yousafzai and other officials and participants, attended the rally and expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
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