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The University of Okara (UO) commemorated Kashmir Exploitation Day on Wednesday by organizing a seminar and a solidarity walk to reaffirm unwavering support for the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (OJK) in their struggle for the right to self-determination. The event was organized by the Directorate of Student Affairs and attended by a large number of faculty members, administrative staff, and students. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Okara, Prof. Dr. Sajjad Mubin, presided over the ceremony. Addressing the participants, Prof. Mubin highlighted the decades-long suffering of the Kashmiri people and called upon the international community to play its role in ensuring the implementation of the United Nations resolutions on Kashmir. “Kashmir is the lifeline of Pakistan and an issue that remains central to peace and stability in South Asia. The resilient people of Kashmir have made unprecedented sacrifices for their legitimate right to self-determination, and the global community must not remain a silent spectator to their plight,” he said. The VC also paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces for safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Our armed forces have rendered unparalleled sacrifices to make Pakistan impregnable. Their commitment to national security enables us to stand firmly with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle,” he added. Speaking on the occasion, the Registrar of the University of Okara, Jamil Asim, said that observing Kashmir Exploitation Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “We stand in complete solidarity with the people of Kashmir and reaffirm our support for their internationally recognized right to determine their own future. Universities have an important role in educating the younger generation about issues of justice, peace, and human rights,” he remarked. The Pro VC, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Wajid, and the DSA, Dr. Shoaib Saleem, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and continuing moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people. A one-minute silence was observed to honor the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir and to express solidarity with those who have lost their lives during the prolonged conflict. The seminar concluded with a solidarity walk in which the participants carried placards and banners expressing support for the Kashmiri cause and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the Sindh administration have agreed to launch a coordinated campaign to combat marine pollution, safeguard coastal ecosystems, and promote the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s blue economy. The decision was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori’s successor, Governor Nehal Hashmi, where both sides reviewed the growing environmental challenges facing the country’s coastline and discussed their impact on marine biodiversity, fisheries, coastal communities, and critical infrastructure. Speaking on the occasion, the maritime affairs minister said marine pollution had evolved into a major environmental, economic, and public health challenge. He noted that pollution was not only damaging coastal ecosystems but was also threatening livelihoods and economic activities dependent on marine resources. The minister said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, through its Marine Pollution Control Board, was already implementing measures to address the issue and proposed a joint meeting with the Sindh government and relevant provincial departments to develop a comprehensive response. He identified the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea as one of the most serious threats to Pakistan’s marine environment, warning that the continuous release of wastewater was harming mangrove forests, fish habitats, coral ecosystems, and other sensitive coastal resources. Emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation, he said protecting marine ecosystems was essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s blue economy. Governor Nehal Hashmi described marine pollution as a growing public health concern, particularly for residents of Karachi’s coastal communities, who face increasing health risks due to contaminated seawater. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among federal, provincial, and local authorities to improve wastewater management and prevent untreated sewage from reaching the sea. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to strengthen institutional coordination and jointly formulate long-term strategies aimed at reducing marine pollution, preserving coastal ecosystems, and supporting sustainable economic development through a healthier marine environment.