Awareness walk, speech and quiz competitions organised to promote understanding of Kashmir dispute and human rights
SHANGLA (Aftab Hussain): The University of Shangla concluded a week-long programme of awareness activities marking Kashmir Black Day on October 27, reaffirming solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and highlighting their fundamental rights and right to self-determination.
The activities were organised from October 20 to 27 in accordance with directions from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Higher Education Department. The programme concluded with an awareness walk on October 27, followed by a prize distribution ceremony for students who secured prominent positions in speech and quiz competitions.
Held under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Sardar Khan, the activities aimed to enhance students’ understanding of the Kashmir dispute, human rights, peace, justice and the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own future.
Addressing students and university staff, Professor Dr Sardar Khan expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK and paid tribute to their sacrifices, resilience and continued struggle for their fundamental rights.
He said supporting the Kashmiri people was a moral responsibility and emphasised that educational institutions had an important role in raising awareness about humanitarian issues and the rights of oppressed communities.
The vice chancellor said universities could help develop a sense of responsibility among young people, promote respect for human rights and highlight the challenges faced by communities seeking justice and their legitimate rights.
Calling for a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, he stressed the importance of greater international awareness so that the longstanding demands and fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people received due attention.
Professor Dr Sardar Khan also highlighted the importance of implementing relevant United Nations resolutions concerning the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said educating young people about the historical background of the dispute, human rights and international responsibilities was essential for developing a better understanding of the issue.
An awareness walk was held at the university’s main block on Kashmir Black Day, with participants expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people and calling for greater awareness of their longstanding struggle.
During the week-long programme, students took part in speech and quiz competitions designed to strengthen their knowledge of various aspects of the Kashmir dispute while providing opportunities to demonstrate their communication and analytical skills.
The activities also promoted the values of peace, justice, human dignity, fundamental rights and solidarity with oppressed communities. Participants were encouraged to understand the Kashmir dispute not only as a political issue but also in the context of human rights and the right to self-determination.
At the conclusion of the programme, prizes were distributed among students who demonstrated outstanding performance in the speech and quiz competitions.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Sardar Khan appreciated the organisers, students, participants and university staff for their efforts in making the programme successful.
He reaffirmed the University of Shangla’s commitment to continuing its educational and social role in raising awareness about the rights and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, promoting solidarity and supporting peaceful efforts for a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.