Dera Ismail Khan, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 5th Aug, 2026) District administrations, universities, educational institutions, Rescue 1122 and citizens across southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday observed Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir through rallies, awareness campaigns, flag-hoisting ceremonies, seminars and solidarity walks to express unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and reaffirm Pakistan‘s commitment to their right to self-determination.
In Dera Ismail Khan, the district administration, on the directives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, launched a district-wide awareness campaign. Kashmir solidarity banners were displayed at major intersections, highways, government buildings and other public places, while Kashmiri flags were hoisted to demonstrate solidarity with the people of IIOJK.
Officials said the campaign was aimed at creating public awareness about the significance of August 5 and highlighting the human rights situation in IIOJK. They said the initiative also sought to draw the attention of the international community to the plight of the Kashmiri people and reaffirm Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for their right to self-determination.
As part of the observance, Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan organised a solidarity rally led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niamatullah Babar. The rally was attended by Registrar Imranullah Marwat, Controller of Examinations, Director Finance, heads of academic departments, provost, chief proctor, faculty members, administrative officers and university staff.
Participants carried banners and chanted slogans in support of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niamatullah Babar said Gomal University stood in complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people and would continue extending moral and principled support for their just cause. He said Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir served as a reminder of the sacrifices, resilience and unwavering struggle of the Kashmiri people.
Similarly, the University of Agriculture Dera Ismail Khan organised a special ceremony and Kashmir Solidarity Walk on the directives of Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Latif Gondal.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem and a one-minute silence in tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir. Special prayers were also offered for the freedom, peace and prosperity of the people of IIOJK and for Pakistan’s peace and progress.
Registrar Abdul Basit Khan, heads of departments, faculty members, administrative officers, employees and students attended the event and expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people while condemning human rights violations in IIOJK.
Speaking on the occasion, Registrar Abdul Basit Khan said August 5, 2019, remained a dark day in the history of Kashmir as India had revoked the special constitutional status of IIOJK in violation of international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions. He said the Kashmiri people had continued their struggle for the right to self-determination despite decades of hardships and reiterated Pakistan’s continued political, diplomatic and moral support for their just cause.
The ceremony concluded with a solidarity walk across the university campus. Participants carrying Pakistani and Kashmiri flags, banners and placards chanted slogans in support of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
A special ceremony was held at Government Girls Primary school Kat Shahani, Circle Daraban Khurd, Tehsil Prova, where students and teachers expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK.
The event, chaired by Headmistress Ishrat Jabeen, featured speeches, national songs and tableaux highlighting the sacrifices and struggle of the Kashmiri people. Teachers Kishwar Hussain, Naseem Bibi and Shamsa Kanwal played a key role in organising the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the headmistress highlighted the importance of educating the younger generation about the Kashmir issue and reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for the Kashmiri people. Special prayers were also offered for the martyrs of Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 Dera Ismail Khan observed the day under the directives of the Director General Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Director Operations South Region, under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Muhammad Arif Khan.
Rescue personnel at various emergency stations participated in solidarity activities and rallies, paying tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people while reaffirming their support for their just cause.
In Tank, the district administration organised a solidarity rally led by Deputy Commissioner Jamshed Khan and District Police Officer Abdul Samad Khan. Before the rally, participants observed a one-minute silence to express solidarity with the people of IIOJK.
The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Naimatullah Kundi, Assistant Commissioner Jamshed Alam, Additional Assistant Commissioners Faheem and Malik Sajid Khan, the District Emergency Officer, District Education Officer (Male), officials from the police, education, Civil Defence and Local Government departments, religious scholars, community elders, teachers, students and a large number of citizens.
Participants carried Pakistani and Kashmiri flags along with banners and placards bearing messages in support of the Kashmiri people.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Jamshed Khan said the people of Tank stood firmly with the people of IIOJK. Referring to the developments of August 5, 2019, he described the situation in the occupied territory as a matter of serious concern and reiterated support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. He urged the international community to play an active role in resolving the Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Likewise, the district administration of Upper South Waziristan organised a solidarity rally and flag-hoisting ceremony at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, Additional Assistant Commissioners, tribal elders and officials from various government departments participated in the event.
The participants expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK, paid tribute to their resilience and sacrifices, and reaffirmed support for their right to self-determination. Special prayers were also offered for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of IIOJK.
The district administration reiterated that the people of Upper South Waziristan stood shoulder to shoulder with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and would continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support for their legitimate struggle until the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.
