Pak tries to cash in on Kashmir unrest, observes 'Black Day'

With an aim to cash in on the prevailing unrest in the Kashmir Valley after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing, Pakistan will observe "Black Day" on Wednesday to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

While addressing a cabinet meeting in Lahore on July 15, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had announced to observe 19th of July as a Black Day. However as Pakistan celebrates July 19 as 'Accession to Pakistan' Day, the Black Day observance was shifted on July 20.

As per reports rallies will be organised to draw attention of the world community towards the Kashmir issue.

All officials of federal and provincial governments will wear black armband while on duty to express political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris, said reports, adding that special prayers will also be held after 'Zohar' prayers.

Reports suggested that Pakistani diaspora will lodge strong protests in front of the national Parliaments of their respective host countries and the United Nations organisations, while Pakistani missions abroad will sensitise the local media as well as various caucuses in different regions on the Kashmir issue.

However, asserting that Pakistan has no locus standi to discuss India's internal issue, External Affairs Minister spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that "India completely and unequivocally rejects in the entirety the decisions adopted by the Pakistan Cabinet on situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

"Pakistan has no locus standi in our internal matters. We hope Pakistan will desist from further interfering in India's internal affairs," he added.

The incidents of violence continue to crop up despite the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urging the people to maintain calm and cooperate with the state government to restore peace in the valley.

After Burhan's death, Kashmir is on boil and more than 40 people have been killed and over 3,000 including 1,600 civilians injured in clashes between youth and security men during protests.