DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Oct 27 (APP):The University of Agriculture Dera Ismail Khan (UAD) on Tuesday observed Kashmir Black Day to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people and highlight their struggle for the right to self-determination.
The event was organised on the special directives of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Latif Gondal to raise awareness among students about the Kashmir issue and the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people.
Vice Chancellor of Qurtuba University Dera Ismail Khan Prof Dr Khairuz Zaman attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Dr Aftab Alam Awan delivered the keynote address. University officials, faculty members, students and other guests also attended the event.
Students delivered speeches highlighting the historical significance of Oct 27, the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Dr Khairuz Zaman said Oct 27 held great historical significance for the Kashmiri people and served as a reminder of their struggle, sacrifices and fundamental rights. He stressed the need to continue raising a voice in support of their right to self-determination.
He urged upon the students to develop a better understanding of the historical background and current situation of the Kashmir issue and play their part in spreading awareness about the Kashmiri people’s struggle.
University Registrar Abdul Basit Khan thanked the chief guest, other participants, faculty members, students and organisers for their contribution to the event. He said expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people was a moral responsibility and emphasised the role of educational institutions in raising awareness about the issue among young people.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the registrar presented a commemorative shield to Prof Dr Khairuz Zaman. Shields and certificates were also distributed among students who secured prominent positions in the speech competition.
A solidarity walk was also held to mark Kashmir Black Day. The chief guest, Registrar Abdul Basit Khan, Controller Irfan Khan, Media Cell In-charge Muhammad Nisar Hussain, faculty members and students participated in the walk, reaffirming their support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
The participants called upon the international community to play an effective role in securing a just settlement of the Kashmir dispute and ensuring the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
