PESHAWAR: Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU), Peshawar, observed Youm-e-Istehsal, also marked as Kashmir Solidarity Day, at its Main Campus on Wednesday in pursuance of the directions of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The observance was held under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr Farhat Amin, with active participation from faculty members, students and administrative staff. The programme was aimed at expressing solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and sensitising students to the historical and humanitarian dimensions of the Kashmir issue.
The main programme commenced at 11:00am at the front lawn of the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat. Activities included hoisting of the national flag at half-mast, observance of a one-minute silence, and a Kashmir Solidarity Walk led by the Vice Chancellor and attended by faculty, students and administrative staff.
Awareness posters, banners and standees highlighting the significance of Youm-e-Istehsal were displayed across the campus.
To enhance student engagement, the university organised a Student Videography Competition in which students developed videos in Urdu and English on the significance of Kashmir and Youm-e-Istehsal. A Digital Photography, Art and Painting Competition/Exhibition was also arranged, providing students with an opportunity to creatively portray the historical, cultural and humanitarian aspects of the Kashmir issue.
The Arts & Literature Society and Debate & Dramatics Society, along with their faculty advisers, facilitated student participation in these activities.
The observance was further supported through collaboration with Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) and its Youth Empowerment Club (YEC) under the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the university in February 2026. HHRD supported the event by providing a large solidarity-walk banner, awareness posters and standees, contributing to the visibility and outreach of the campaign.
Special appreciation was extended to Ms Shehla Zahoor, Assistant Professor at the Department of Law and focal person for the SBBWU-HHRD collaboration, for coordinating with HHRD and facilitating the collaborative activities.
Appreciation was also extended to Ms Tashfeen Zia, Deputy Registrar (A&M) and Deputy Director Student Affairs, who served as focal person for Youm-e-Istehsal, for her coordination in the planning, organisation and execution of the activities.
The observance concluded with enthusiastic participation from the university community, reflecting SBBWU’s commitment to national solidarity, civic responsibility, youth engagement and awareness of humanitarian causes.
