Alhamra observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Day of Exploitation) through a series of solemn and thought-provoking events that paid tribute to the resilience, sacrifices, and cultural identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Alhamra arranges various events to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir
LAHORE, Aug 05 (APP):Alhamra observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Day of Exploitation) through a series of solemn and thought-provoking events that paid tribute to the resilience, sacrifices, and cultural identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bringing together government representatives, cultural leaders, scholars, and members of civil society, the programme reaffirmed Alhamra’s commitment to preserving historical consciousness through the transformative power of art, culture, and dialogue.
The commemorative programme was attended by Provincial Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Bilal Yasin as the chief guest and brought together prominent government officials, cultural leaders, and representatives of Punjab’s leading cultural institutions. Distinguished Kashmiri leaders Engineer Mushtaq, Mahmood Sagar, and Zahid Mujtaba were among the notable participants. Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC) Director General Aslam Shahid, attended with his delegation. Representing the Executive Director Alhamra Muhammad Nawaz Gondal, Assistant Director Administration Syed Umair Hassan, accompanied by the entire Alhamra team, participated in the event. In contrast, the Punjab Council of the Arts was represented by its delegation on behalf of Executive Director Muhammad Mehboob Alam.
The observance began with a compelling photographic exhibition portraying the history, cultural heritage, and struggles of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The exhibition was followed by an engaging dialogue that reflected on their resilience, aspirations, and enduring identity while exploring the role of literature, visual arts, and cultural expression in preserving historical memory across generations.
Addressing the gathering, Bilal Yasin said that Kashmir Exploitation Day serves as a reminder of the events of August 5, 2019, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. He stated that a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, remains essential for lasting peace and stability in the region. He also called upon the international community to take notice of reported human rights concerns in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The Provincial Minister further observed that institutions such as Alhamra play a vital role in strengthening national awareness, cultural identity, and social cohesion. He emphasized that art, literature, and culture possess the unique ability to preserve the stories of nations, honor sacrifice, and inspire future generations to value justice, peace, and human dignity.
Executive Director Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said, “Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir reminds us that history must never be forgotten, and the voices of those who endure hardship must never be ignored. As a cultural institution, Alhamra believes that art, literature, and collective memory have the enduring power to preserve truth, inspire compassion, and strengthen national consciousness.”
The programme concluded with a solidarity walk attended by a large number of participants, reflecting a shared sense of national unity and remembrance. The event ended with special prayers for Pakistan’s continued peace, stability, and prosperity, and for peace and dignity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Through initiatives of this nature, Alhamra continues to uphold its role as one of Pakistan’s foremost cultural institutions, using the arts as a bridge between history and the present while fostering dialogue, preserving collective memory, and reinforcing the values that unite the nation.
