Rawalpindi: Thousands of workers from the Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqh-e-Jafaria (TNFJ) took to Murree Road in Rawalpindi to stage a “Bana-e-La Ilaha Mourning Protest” under the leadership of religious scholars and officials from mourning organizations. The protest, centered on lifting restrictions imposed on religious practices, was led by TNFJ Secretary-General Allama Basharat Hussain Imami, who argued that such limitations threaten Pakistan’s ideological foundations.
According to a statement by Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya, Allama Imami emphasized that the restrictions on Azadari, the remembrance of Imam Hussain (A.S.), are a conspiracy to undermine the zeal of the armed forces and destabilize the nation. He condemned measures that limit religious practices within private homes and Imambargahs, describing them as provocations that can lead to turmoil and damage the country’s reputation.
The protest, called by TNFJ chief Allama Hussain Muqaddasi, saw the passage of a declaration demanding the removal of unconstitutional restrictions on religious gatherings and the dismissal of FIRs against mourners and organizers. The declaration also urged the government to eliminate foreign funding for religious political parties and to support the reconstruction of Jannat-ul-Baqi.
TNFJ Provincial President Allama Baqir Naqvi reiterated the demand for financial transparency and the implementation of the National Action Plan to prevent bloodshed. The protestors called for strict action against banned organizations and the abolition of the Single National Curriculum, which they claim distorts Islamic law and history.
The gathering emphasized the need for unity among Muslim nations to address issues in regions such as Kashmir and Palestine. They demanded the implementation of the Moosavi-Junejo Agreement to protect the rights of the Shia community and called for efforts to rebuild significant religious sites.
Deputy Secretary Syed Hassan Kazmi addressed the crowd, stating that the community’s commitment to Azadari remains steadfast despite past challenges of violence and terrorism. He expressed a desire to resolve issues through constitutional means, while emphasizing the importance of religious remembrance for national unity and strength.
The protest was also addressed by several other leaders, including Allama Azhar Abbas Haidery and Chaudhary Mushtaq Hussain, who echoed the call for lifting restrictions and preserving religious freedoms.