Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed every year by Pakistan on Feb. 5 to express its solidarity with the Kashmiri people, was marked here by functions at various forums, special gatherings at the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh and at the residence of the Pakistani Consul General in Jeddah. At a function organized by the Jeddah Kashmir Committee at the residence of Zaignam Uddin Azam, Pakistani Consul General, Izzat Kamel Mufti, special representative of the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Jammu and Kashmir, was the chief guest. Speakers at the function extended their support to the Kashmiri people. “The OIC fully supports the struggle of the Kashmiri people for their legitimate right of self-determination. Peaceful negotiations are the only way to settle the Kashmir dispute,” said Mufti. Azam said the day is commemorated to support the 13 million people of Kashmir and their right to self-determination. He thanked organizers Miyan Khalid and Munir Gondal and members of the Jeddah Kashmir Committee for their “active role in supporting the cause of Kashmir.” Dr. Mohammed Faisal, Head of the Chancery, Pakistani Consulate, read out messages of the Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.
