Imran criticizes world for silence over Indian atrocities; Says will stand with Kashmiris till they gain freedom;
Kashmiris going through a very tough time; Nation observes ‘Kashmir Hour’ to express solidarity with Kashmiris
Sarwar Awan
Islamabad
Pakistanis will stand by Kashmiris unless they secure independence from Indian occupation, Prime Minister Imran Khan told to the world as millions of Pakistanis gathered in major and small cities on Friday to express solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir in response to Prime Minister’s call.
At noon, sirens rang out across the country followed by broadcasts of the national anthems of Pakistan and Kashmir, while traffic ground to a halt for several minutes in solidarity with the rallies.
In the capital Islamabad, thousands gathered on Constitution Avenue in front of the government offices where Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the nation and vowed to continue fighting for Kashmir until the disputed Himalayan territory was “liberated”.
Thousands of people rallied in mass demonstrations protesting New Delhi’s brutalities in Indian Occupied Kashmir in the most ambitious public protests targeting India in years.
Pakistanis, on the appeal of Prime Minister Imran Khan, came out in droves on Friday to observe ‘Kashmir Hour’ from 12 noon to 12:30pm to express solidarity with Kashmiris in occupied Kashmir. Educational institutions, government and private offices, banks, traders, lawyers and military authorities took part in the event. All traffic signals turned red at noon. The prime minister led the nation in expression of solidarity with the people of Kashmir. A large number of people were present to hear Prime Minister Imran Khan at the PM Office.
Along with the premier, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Naeemul Haque were also in attendance.
“Pakistani nation stands by Kashmiris and we will stand by Kashmir till our last breath,” he said, stressing the need to understand the RSS’ extremist ideology which foments hatred against Muslims. He drew parallels between Hitler’s Nazi Party and RSS, of which Narendra Modi is a lifelong member. “They think Muslims should be taught a lesson. That they are not equal citizens of India. The entire world is seeing what is happening in Kashmir.”
He said the entire world would have supported Kashmiris if they were non-Muslims.
Prime Minister Imran said he has conveyed to all foreign leaders that if the international community does not stand up to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “fascist government”, the effect would be felt in the whole world.
He called attention to the fact that Kashmiris in IoK were under curfew for nearly four weeks. “The message from Pakistan that will be sent today is that till our Kashmiri brothers don’t get independence, the people of Pakistan will stand with them.”
“Our Kashmiri brothers are going through a very tough time,” he said.
“I pray to God that in your and my lifetime, we see an independent Kashmir in which their rights are not repressed, their women are not raped and their people are not martyred.
We are with them in their testing times. The message that goes out of here today is that as long as Kashmiris don’t get freedom, we will stand with them,” PM said, while launching into a blistering attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comparing his administration to the Third Reich in Nazi Germany.
“We have to understand the ideology of the BJP and RSS. The RSS believes Hindus are superior to all others – their manifesto is to either force Muslims out of India or treat them as third-class citizens. The RSS rhetoric has captured India just like the Nazi party held Germany hostage,” he said.
The premier said the entire world should have already taken a stand for Kashmiris but religion proved a decisive factor. “Unfortunately, the world tends to remain silent when those being oppressed are Muslims. The world’s reaction would have been much stronger if Kashmiris were not Muslims,” said PM Imran. He said India was planning a ‘false flag’ attack to escalate the situation but warned New Delhi that Pakistan would respond with greater force if that happened. “We are warning the world that India will do something grave in Azad Kashmir,” he said. Both the anthems were aired on all television and radio channels. The people and traffic stood still as the national anthems were played.
He added that the purpose of ‘Kashmir Hour’ was to send a message from Pakistan that until Kashmiris get their freedom we [Pakistanis] would continue to stand with them. “We will stand with them till the last breath.”“The entire world is watching what is happening in Kashmir. “Till Kashmir is not independent, I will continue to fight for their freedom at every forum,” PM Imran asserted.
“I keep telling the world and every international outlet that if they remain quiet about Kashmir issue and the atrocities in the valley, the entire world will suffer because of that,” he added. He further added, “India didn’t let media go into Srinagar, this should tell the entire world exactly what sort of cruelty is being perpetrated there.”
“In the end, my heart is telling me that Narendra Modi, what he’s doing in IoK in his arrogance. He has played his last card. Kashmir will be free now,” the prime minister added. I want to tell you, Narendra Modi, that we will give a befitting response. Our armed forces are ready,” PM Imran told the rally. “The world needs to realise that India’s toxic ideology will eventually affect everyone. They can choose to stay silent right now but they will face the problem down the line. The international community must know that any conflict between two nuclear-armed countries will be destructive for the entire world,” said the PM. The premier asserted that Pakistan remains committed to highlighting the Kashmir cause at all international forums. “I am an ambassador for Kashmir and will do everything in my power to help my Kashmiri brothers and sisters. We will continue to speak to all world leaders and international media outlets to highlight Modi’s brutalities in IOK,” he said.
“We will run a worldwide campaign involving overseas Pakistanis, international human rights organisations and activists, celebrities, and influencers. We will inform them of the situation in IOK and they can help turn the world’s attention to this grave humanitarian crisis.”
“Lastly, I want to tell the Kashmiri people that Pakistan will always be with them in their struggle for rights and freedom. I know that Modi’s actions in IOK will prove to be the catalyst for Kashmir’s freedom,” said PM Imran.
