Minister review preparations for observance of Youm-e-Istehsal on Aug 5

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs , Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engr Amir Muqam , on Tuesday, chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the observance of Youm-e-Istehsal on August 5, directing all ministries, departments and provincial administrations to ensure coordinated efforts and maximum public participation in the nationwide observance. The meeting was attended by Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Kashmir Affairs , Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Shabir Ahmad Usmani, Federal Secretary for Kashmir Affairs , Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Ali Tahir, Additional Secretary Kamran Rehman Khan, Joint Secretary Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council Ali Akbar Khattak, Joint Secretary GB Council Sudheer Khattak, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leaders Imtiaz Wani and Pervaiz Ahmad Shah, besides focal persons from federal ministries, all provinces including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, said a press release here on Tuesday. Addressing the participants, the federal minister appreciated the active participation of all departments and stressed the need for a unified national approach to mark the day in a befitting manner. He directed all stakeholders to work in close coordination to ensure the successful execution of planned activities and to maximise public engagement across the country. Engineer Amir Muqam said the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) had endured decades of hardships and human rights violations, adding that Pakistan would continue to raise its voice for the Kashmiri people at every available forum. He said the people of IIOJK were not alone and reaffirmed Pakistan's continued political, diplomatic and moral support for their right to self-determination. The federal minister emphasised that the observance of Youm-e-Istehsal should effectively convey Pakistan's message of solidarity with the Kashmiri people and further highlight the Kashmir issue before the international community. He said every institution had a responsibility to contribute towards making the programme meaningful and impactful. During the meeting, focal persons representing the Foreign Office, Ministries of Interior, Information and Broadcasting, Defence, Communications, Railways and Education, Cabinet Division, AJK Council, GB Council, Press Information Department, Federal Education Directorate, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Capital Development Authority (CDA), Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Lok Virsa, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Pakistan Post, Airports Security Force (ASF), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Survey of Pakistan briefed the participants on arrangements and preparations for the nationwide observance. Representatives from all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir also shared updates on planned activities, while APHC leaders highlighted the situation in IIOJK and underscored the importance of international awareness and continued support for the Kashmiri cause. The meeting concluded with a commitment from all participating institutions to work in close coordination to ensure the successful observance of Youm-e-Istehsal through comprehensive public outreach and participation across the country.