rki.news
By Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), March 11: The 38th death anniversary of former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and prominent leader of the Kashmir freedom movement, Khurshid Hassan Khursheed, was observed across Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday with solemnity and reverence. Various ceremonies were held to pay tribute to the late leader and to renew the pledge to continue his lifelong mission for the realization of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
The main ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the late leader in Mirpur, where Quran Khawani was organized followed by a special gathering to remember his services for the Kashmir cause. A large number of political leaders, social activists, and members of civil society attended the event and offered Fateha for the departed soul.
Among those who addressed the ceremony included President of Jammu Kashmir Liberation League Manzoor Qadir Dar, spokesman of the AJK Prime Minister Shoukat Javed Mir, All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Director Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Academy Raja Sajjad Khan, Sardar Ali Shan and other speakers.
Paying glowing tributes to the late leader, speakers highlighted the significant role played by Khurshid Hassan Khursheed in promoting the Kashmir freedom struggle. They said he dedicated his entire life to the cause of Kashmir and worked tirelessly for the achievement of the Kashmiri people’s fundamental right to self-determination.
Participants from various parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and different regions of Pakistan visited the mausoleum to offer prayers for the departed leader and other martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir. Floral wreaths were laid at the grave, and prayers were offered for the success of the Kashmir freedom movement as well as for the stability, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Speakers urged the Government of Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue effectively at the United Nations Security Council to ensure its early resolution in accordance with UN resolutions. They stressed that a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute through a plebiscite would pave the way for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.
Separate commemorative events were also organized in Mirpur under the auspices of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation League and PPP (Shaheed Bhutto) AJK Chapter. Speakers including Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Mughal, Muhammad Asif Jirral, Irfan-ul-Haq Saleemi and PPP (SB) AJK President Chaudhry Munir Hussain Advocate reiterated the need to continue the mission of the late leader.
They said the early resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, remains essential for sustainable peace, regional stability and socio-economic progress across South Asia.