Nationwide Protests
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) organized nationwide protests to express solidarity with Palestinians and strongly condemn Israeli aggression, following a call from party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. The demonstrations took place in multiple cities across Pakistan, with thousands of protesters raising their voices against Israel’s actions in Palestine and criticizing the United States for its role in the ongoing conflict.
Carrying banners and placards, demonstrators chanted slogans denouncing Israel and the US. The protests, which followed Friday prayers, saw significant participation from citizens determined to register their dissent in a peaceful manner.
Large-Scale Protests Across Pakistan
In Lahore, a massive protest march was held from Masjid-e-Shuhada to the US Consulate. Thousands of people gathered to vehemently oppose Israeli and American policies in the region. Heavy police deployment was observed outside the consulate to ensure security and prevent any potential unrest.
Similar demonstrations took place in various cities, including Vehari and Sadiqabad, where protesters passionately called for action against Israel. In Sadiqabad, the JI rally was held outside the Press Club, where participants displayed banners inscribed with pro-Palestine messages and slogans.
In Sindh, the cities of Mirpurkhas and Thatta witnessed large rallies in support of Palestinians. Protesters carried banners and held special prayers outside mosques after Friday prayers. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, JI’s Lower Dir chapter staged a demonstration in Timergara city, further amplifying the nationwide call for justice.
Hafiz Naeem’s Address at the Palestine March in Lahore
Speaking to the protesters gathered outside the US Consulate in Lahore, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed the Pakistani nation’s outrage over Israeli aggression. He strongly condemned the recent Israeli attacks in Gaza, calling them crimes against humanity.
“The Israeli atrocities of the past two days are a disgrace to humanity,” he declared. He also praised the resilience of the Palestinian people and accused the United States of direct involvement in the ongoing violence. According to him, former US President Donald Trump played a major role in orchestrating acts of terror aimed at the forced evacuation of Gaza.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Hafiz Naeem lamented the devastating impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians. He pointed out that more than 50,000 Palestinians have been martyred so far, with nearly 90% of Gaza reduced to rubble. Criticizing the global community, he questioned why human rights advocates remained silent in the face of Israeli brutality.
“The world’s biggest terrorists are Israel and the US. They are committing unimaginable atrocities against Palestinians,” he asserted. He further criticized the continued blockade of food and water supplies to Gaza despite international ceasefire agreements, labeling it a severe violation of human rights.
Muslim World’s Silence Questioned
Hafiz Naeem also questioned the inaction of Muslim-majority countries, despite their military strength and control over vast natural resources.
“Have Muslim nations run out of tanks and missiles?” he asked, calling out Muslim leaders for ignoring the suffering of Palestinian women and children. He warned that if they continued to remain passive, JI’s next protest would be held inside the US Embassy.
Pakistan’s Role and Government’s Response
Criticizing the Pakistani government, Hafiz Naeem questioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, urging Pakistani and Saudi leaders to issue a joint statement against Israeli aggression.
He also questioned why Pakistan, despite being a nuclear power, has failed to take a strong stand in support of Palestine. “When Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, the entire Muslim world celebrated. But today, this nuclear power remains silent on Palestine,” he remarked.
Opposition Parties’ Silence
Hafiz Naeem accused Pakistan’s political leadership of seeking US approval for their political survival, claiming that American influence could overturn governments at will. He called on opposition parties, including the PML-N and PPP, to take a firm stance against Israel and the US.
“The people of Pakistan are not fools. Every person who attacks Palestine is an enemy, and every Pakistani despises America’s role in this massacre,” he concluded.
