Lahore, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan spearheaded a series of nationwide protests in response to the ongoing Israeli bombardment in Rafah, rallying support for the people of Palestine. The demonstrations, which took place in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, drew large crowds calling for urgent action from Muslim leaders and the international community.
According to Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, the protests were a response to what Amirul Azeem, a senior leader of the party, described as global terrorism backed by America, which he accused of supporting Israel with weapons and political backing. The protests featured a series of speeches from Jamaat-e-Islami leaders who emphasized the resilience and rights of the Palestinian people and condemned the international community’s passive stance on the conflict.
In Lahore, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Ameerul Azim, addressed the crowd, highlighting the severity of the situation in Gaza and the need for Muslim countries, particularly Pakistan, to take decisive action. He criticized the silence and inaction of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Deputy Amir Liaquat Baloch echoed these sentiments in Mandi Bahauddin, praising the spirit of the Palestinian people and urging the Pakistani government to step forward.
In Mardan, Deputy Emir Dr. Attaur Rahman led the protest, criticizing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s endorsement of a two-state solution, which he argued violates Pakistan’s constitution. He also urged the International Court of Justice to enforce its rulings regarding the conflict.
The protests were marked by a significant turnout and included blockades of major roads, such as Malakand Road, where hundreds of demonstrators expressed their solidarity with Palestine. Educational events were also held, including programs in private schools and women’s circles, focusing on raising awareness and supporting the Palestinian cause.
The day’s events concluded with calls for the international community to recognize Palestine and condemn Israel’s actions. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders commended countries like Ireland, Norway, and Spain for their stance on Palestine and urged the Pakistani government to follow suit by displaying Palestinian flags in parliament.
As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, Jamaat-e-Islami’s protests underscore a widespread demand among Pakistanis for their government and international bodies to take a firmer stance against what they see as injustices faced by the Palestinian people.