Pakistan to observe ‘Kashmir Hour’ on Friday; sirens to blare across country 

Major General Asif Ghafoor. 

New Delhi: Pakistan yet again has come up with a new plan to draw world attention at Kashmir following India’s move to defang Article 370, scrap Article 35A and bifurcate the state of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union territories. Islamabad announced, on Wednesday, that “Kashmir Hour” will be observed in Pakistan on Friday, August 30 to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

The Pakistan military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general, Major General Asif Ghafoor, declared in a news conference, which was participated by the civil and military leaders from across Pakistan, that national anthem of Pakistan and Kashmir will be played during “Kashmir Hour” and sirens will also be blared across the country. According to Pakistani media reports, the “Kashmir Hour” is scheduled to be held on August 30 at 12 noon, Pakistan time. 

Maj Gen Ghafoor made the announcement couple of days after the announcement made by the Pakistani prime minister, Imran Khan, on Monday, that an event will be held every week, starting from August 30, to show solidarity with Kashmiris.

“They (India) have played their trump card, they don't have any card to play now. Now whatever needs to be done will be done by us and the world,” Khan had said while addressing the nation. 

While responding to the appeal made by Gen Ghafoor to participate in the initiative, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has confirmed his participation in the event. “Let’s respond to PM call for Kashmir Hour as a nation. I will be at Mazar-e-Quaid at 12pm on Friday. Join me to express solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren,” he tweeted. 

Pakistan is engaged in different tactics to interfere in issues related to Kashmir valley ever since the government has revoked Kashmir’s special status by withdrawing Article 370 and Article 35. Imran Khan had recently approached the United Nation security council requesting to intervene in the Kashmir issue, however, UNSC denied to intervene in the internal matter of the nation.

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