JEDDAH, 5 February 2007 — The Pakistan International School, Jeddah, (English Section) held a function yesterday to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day.
School Principal Syed Esar Hussain Shah spoke about the significance of the day, sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiri people, and Pakistan’s stand on the issue.
“Pakistanis observe Kashmir Solidarity Day every year to demonstrate their unequivocal support for the valiant struggle of the Kashmiri people to achieve their legitimate right to self-determination,” Shah said.
“Pakistan believes that a just and lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute can only be found through a process of dialogue and engagement,” he added.
Schoolchildren had prepared posters and paintings to highlight the situation in Indian Kashmir.
The exhibition featured photographs showing the scenic beauty of the valley. Kashmiri handicrafts were also on display. Consul General of Pakistan Masood Akhtar, accompanied by Shaukat Kiyani, visa consul and Jameel Khan, press consul, visited the Kashmir Corner, the venue of the exhibition inside the school.
Masood Akhtar said the school’s endeavor to observe the day would help raise awareness among the new generation about the struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination.
“The school is no doubt playing a leading role among the other community schools by holding such activities and seminars and providing their students a platform to demonstrate their patriotism and love for their country.”
The PISJ-ES will take part in the official Kashmir Solidarity Day function to be held at the residence of the consul general today. The school will remain closed today to show solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
The Kashmir Committee in Jeddah has also chalked out programs to observe the day in a befitting manner.