October 27, 2026: Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif, VC Rawalpindi Women University, led the solidarity walk in observance of Kashmir Black Day. 

RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Women University (RWU) observed Kashmir Black Day on October 27 with a seminar titled “Black Day: The Call of Kashmir” and a solidarity walk to express support for the Kashmiri people and highlight human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The walk and seminar was attended by faculty members, administrative officers and a large number of students.

Addressing the gathering, RWU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif said Kashmir Black Day serves as a reminder of the Kashmiri people’s decades-long struggle, sacrifices and commitment to their right to self-determination. She highlighted the restrictions on fundamental rights, continued military presence and persistent human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling for sustained international attention to the issue.

Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif emphasized that universities have a responsibility beyond academic instruction, particularly in fostering critical thinking, civic awareness and respect for human rights, justice and peace. She urged students to study the historical and humanitarian dimensions of the Kashmir dispute and contribute to raising awareness of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. She reaffirmed that Rawalpindi Women University would continue to fulfil its educational, intellectual and social responsibilities in support of the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people.

Guest speaker Haseeb Jamal from Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi said that Pakistanis stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir, who have endured decades of hardship since the Indian military intervention in 1947. He expressed concern over the continued failure to implement United Nations resolutions calling for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute. RWU Lecturer in Pakistan Studies Shoaib Askari highlighted the historical significance of October 27, 1947, when Indian troops entered Jammu and Kashmir, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the dispute. He stressed that a lasting peace in the region would remain elusive until the Kashmir issue was resolved.

The event concluded with a solidarity walk led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif. Participants reaffirmed their support for the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination, underscoring the university’s commitment to keeping the Kashmir issue alive through education and public awareness.