Mirpur: Deputy Commissioner Raja Muhammad Sadaqat has said that Kashmir Solidarity Day will be observed across District Mirpur on February 5 with full enthusiasm, national spirit, and collective awareness.
He said that at exactly 10 am, sirens will be sounded at Mangla Bridge, followed by one minute of silence. Afterward, Kashmiris and Pakistanis will form a human chain by holding hands to demonstrate unity and solidarity. Participants will hoist the national flags of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion.
The Deputy Commissioner said that representatives of political and social organizations, traders associations, the Chamber of Commerce, lawyers, councillors, employees organizations, journalists, civil society members, teachers and students of schools and colleges, and people from all walks of life will participate to convey a clear message to the world that Kashmiris and Pakistanis are united by heart and soul and cannot be separated by any force.
He said that the day will begin with special prayers in mosques on the morning of February 5.
These decisions were taken during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Raja Muhammad Sadaqat Khan to review arrangements for Kashmir Solidarity Day. The meeting was attended by SSP Khurram Iqbal, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Naim Akhtar, officers of government and semi government departments, representatives of traders bodies, transporters, and employees organizations.
It was also decided that Kashmir Solidarity Week will be observed from February 1. During the week, speech competitions, seminars, and related activities will be organized in schools, colleges, and universities. On February 4, candles will be lit at Chowk Shaheedan after Maghrib prayers to pay tribute to the martyrs. National flags of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be hoisted at government and semi government offices, markets, squares, and main roads. Decorative lighting will be arranged at Mangla Bab Sultan, while Mangla Bridge will be adorned with national flags.
A signature campaign will be organized at Mangla Bridge under the auspices of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Center, while the Sports Department will arrange various sports events. The Health Department will also establish blood donation camps in connection with the day.
Deputy Commissioner Raja Muhammad Sadaqat Khan assigned responsibilities to various departments and directed all heads of government and semi government institutions to ensure full participation of their staff in the central event.
SSP Khurram Iqbal said that foolproof security and traffic arrangements will be ensured for the central ceremony at Mangla and Dhan Galli bridges. He advised citizens to avoid crossing Mangla Bridge between 9.30 am and 10.30 am on February 5 due to temporary traffic disruption.
The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to political, social, and religious organizations, civil society, lawyers, traders associations, chambers of commerce, transport associations, journalists, and government employees to actively participate in Kashmir Solidarity Day events and demonstrate national unity in support of the Kashmir freedom movement and the enduring bond between Pakistan and the people of Kashmir.