RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Women University (RWU) observed Kashmir Black Day on October 27 with a seminar titled “Black Day: The Call of Kashmir” and a solidarity walk to express support for the Kashmiri people and highlight alleged human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was attended by faculty members, administrative officers and a large number of students.
Addressing the gathering, RWU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif said Kashmir Black Day reminded the world of the Kashmiri people’s decades-long struggle, sacrifices and determination to secure their right to self-determination.
She highlighted restrictions on fundamental rights, the continued military presence and reported human rights violations in the region, stressing the need for sustained international attention to the Kashmir dispute.
Prof. Zarif said universities had responsibilities beyond academic instruction, including promoting critical thinking, civic awareness and respect for human rights, justice and peace. She urged students to understand the historical and humanitarian dimensions of the dispute and raise awareness about the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
She reaffirmed that RWU would continue to fulfil its educational, intellectual and social responsibilities in support of the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people.
Guest speaker Haseeb Jamal of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi said Pakistanis stood in solidarity with the people of Kashmir, who had faced decades of hardship since the Indian military intervention in 1947.
He expressed concern over the continued non-implementation of United Nations resolutions concerning the Kashmir dispute and called for efforts to address the long-standing issue.
RWU Lecturer in Pakistan Studies Shoaib Askari highlighted the historical significance of October 27, 1947, when Indian troops entered Jammu and Kashmir, marking a pivotal moment in the dispute. He said lasting peace in the region would remain elusive until the Kashmir issue was resolved.
The event concluded with a solidarity walk led by Prof. Zarif. Participants reaffirmed their support for the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination, highlighting the university’s commitment to promoting awareness of the Kashmir dispute through education and public engagement.
