Kashmir Solidarity Day conference calls for global action on Kashmir’s struggle for self-determination
The Kashmir Solidarity Day Conference, organized by the All Parties International Kashmir Coordination Committee (APIKCC), was held in Birmingham with a powerful message of support for the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir, who continue to suffer under what many described as brutal Indian military occupation.
The event brought together a wide range of activists, community leaders, and political figures who voiced their solidarity with Kashmiris and called for stronger international intervention, ,said in a press release issued here on Wednesday.
Professor Dr. Zafar Hussain Zafar, a renowned academician from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), was the chief guest for the event. In his speech, Dr. Zafar emphasized the importance of international advocacy for Kashmir, urging the global community to take a more active role in addressing the ongoing human rights violations in the region.
The conference was presided over by Fahim Kayani, the President of APIKCC, a key figure in the global campaign for Kashmir’s rights. Kayani’s leadership and vision for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue resonated throughout the event. The event was moderated by Inam ul Haq, Secretary General of APIKCC, who guided the discussions and encouraged dialogue among the diverse group of speakers.
Human rights activists, community leaders, and religious figures who participated in the conference raised alarms about the systematic human rights violations taking place in Kashmir. Speakers highlighted the ongoing violence, including arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of basic freedoms, under India’s military occupation. They also condemned the actions of India’s government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of further exacerbating the situation with policies backed by the extremist RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) movement.
A major theme of the conference was the condemnation of India’s Hindutva agenda under Modi’s leadership, which, according to the speakers, aims to marginalize religious minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians.
The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, was seen as a key move in furthering this Hindutva vision. Speakers emphasized that the plight of the Kashmiri people is closely linked to this broader extremist agenda, which aims to erase the region’s cultural and religious diversity.
The event concluded with a strong message of solidarity for the people of Kashmir. Organizers and participants reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to raise awareness about the situation in Kashmir and advocate for self-determination for its people.
‘Made in Uzbekistan’ expo to establish result-oriented connections between Uzbek, Pakistan’s business leaders: Envoy
By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, Feb 04 (APP):The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan, is going to organize the much-anticipated ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ exhibition from February 11 to 13 at the Expo Lahore (foyer area), showcasing a diverse range of Uzbek products, industries, and cultural highlights.
This single-country exhibition will be attended by an esteemed delegation of around 150 companies and business partners from Uzbekistan, offering a unique opportunity to explore a wide array of Uzbek products and services.
Featured in the exhibition are Uzbek textiles, leather goods, home appliances, pharmaceuticals, agricultural machinery, and food and agricultural products.
Additionally, the exhibition will offer visitors a rich cultural experience, with performances and a chance to indulge in traditional Uzbek cuisine, providing a deeper insight into the country’s rich heritage.
The event will help foster stronger economic and trade ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, building on the significant bilateral trade between the two countries, which amounted to 404 million USD in 2024.
The exhibition is designed to serve as a platform for promoting mutual trade, investment opportunities, and enhanced business relations between the two brotherly nations.
In support of building lasting business partnerships, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev said the Embassy will also facilitate Government-to-Business (G2B) and Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, assisting in the establishment of meaningful and mutually beneficial connections between Uzbek and Pakistani business leaders.
He said this initiative will underline Uzbekistan’s commitment to enhancing trade relations and expanding business opportunities, paving the way for new ventures and collaborations.
Ambassador Alisher said the ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ exhibition is not just a showcase of products but also a vital step in further strengthening the economic, trade, and social ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
He said the exhibition will provide an invaluable opportunity for Pakistani entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and business leaders to explore new markets and engage with their Uzbek counterparts to discuss trade, investment, and future collaboration.
With an enthusiastic commitment to mutual growth and cooperation, Ambassador Alisher said the embassy will ensure its full support for all endeavors that benefit the two nations, reinforcing the ongoing dedication to enhancing bilateral relations.
“We eagerly look forward to seeing Pakistan’s business community at the ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ exhibition in Lahore, and we hope this event will mark the beginning of a new era of closer ties and fruitful partnerships between Uzbekistan and Pakistan,” he maintained.
