rki.news
By Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK): March 22:
AJK Acting President Chaudhry Latif Akbar and Prime Minister Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore have extended their heartiest felicitations to the people of Pakistan on the occasion of March 23 Pakistan Day, describing it as a historic milestone in the nation’s journey.
In separate messages issued on Sunday, both leaders paid glowing tributes to the founders of Pakistan, whose steadfast struggle and unprecedented sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Acting President said, “On this day in 1940, Muslims of the subcontinent pledged to fight for a separate homeland where they could live according to Islamic values, justice, equality, and freedom.” He recalled the participation of Kashmiri leaders in the historic Lahore summit, emphasizing their commitment to the political future of Jammu and Kashmir in line with Allama Iqbal’s vision. He described Pakistan as a guarantor of Kashmir’s freedom and highlighted the valiant Kashmiri youth who continue to express their attachment to Pakistan even under the shadow of Indian forces across the LoC.
Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said, “March 23, 1940, was a turning point in history when, despite fierce opposition, our leaders turned the dream of a separate homeland into reality.” He stressed that Kashmiri leadership played a pivotal role in the Pakistan Movement and reaffirmed that the ongoing liberation struggle in Indian-held Kashmir remains a testament to their enduring allegiance to Pakistan.
He highlighted the unbreakable ideological, cultural, historical, and religious bonds between Pakistan and Kashmir, expressing optimism that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will eventually bear fruit and the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir will merge with Pakistan. Both leaders urged the people to uphold the values of discipline, conviction, and hard work to further strengthen Pakistan and achieve a prosperous and secure future.
The leaders also called upon the people of AJK to celebrate Pakistan Day with full enthusiasm. Flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic rallies, and cultural programmes are planned across all districts, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimber, Bagh, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Hattian, Haveli, and Sudhnoti, to honor the historic day and reinforce the bond between Pakistan and Kashmir.