KARACHI: A prominent Pakistani religio-political party on Sunday announced a nationwide strike for April 22 in solidarity with Palestinians, warning that history would not forgive the Muslim world’s leaders if they allowed Israel to continue its deadly campaign in Gaza.
Thousands of supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) participated in the “Gaza Solidarity March” in Karachi, days after similar demonstrations were held in Lahore and other major Pakistani cities.
Women, children, senior citizens and representatives of various professions joined the rally, which also featured harsh criticism of the United States for its support of Israel.
Addressing the gathering, JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman delivered a strongly worded speech urging the Pakistani government and other Muslim-majority countries to take concrete steps to stop the “genocide” in Gaza.
“History won’t forgive you otherwise,” he said, warning Muslim leaders that Israel would also turn its weapons toward them.
Rehman accused the United Nations of irrelevance and described it as a body that “passes useless resolutions and statements.”
He announced the April 22 protest, calling on Pakistanis to observe “a countrywide shutdown” to express solidarity with Gaza.
Participants at the rally carried placards, chanted slogans against Israeli military operations and criticized Western governments and corporations. They also encouraged an economic boycott of Western products during the protest.
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, has frequently criticized the Jewish state for its military operations in Gaza. Islamabad has also called for the resumption of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory and the need for a revival of negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
Islamabad consistently calls for an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s military offensives in Gaza have killed over 50,000 people and wounded over 116,000, as per the Gaza Health Ministry.
Pakistani religio-political party announces nationwide strike over Gaza on April 22
https://arab.news/96pvm
Pakistani religio-political party announces nationwide strike over Gaza on April 22
- Thousands of Jamaat-e-Islami supporters participated in the ‘Gaza Solidarity March’ in Karachi
- The JI chief warned ‘history won’t forgive’ Muslim rulers if they let Israel continue its war in Gaza
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss regional situation, upcoming engagements
- Ishaq Dar and Prince Faisal bin Farhan agree to stay in contact amid Middle East tensions
- The two officials speak ahead of Trump’s Feb. 19 Board of Peace meeting in Washington, DC
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed regional developments and upcoming international engagements with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a phone call on Saturday, according to the foreign office in Islamabad.
The conversation took place against the backdrop of deepening strategic ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. In September last year, the two countries signed a bilateral defense agreement that formalized decades of military cooperation and included a commitment to view aggression against one as an attack on both countries.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation today with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, forthcoming international engagements, and agreed to remain in close contact,” it added.
The two officials spoke at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the conflict in Gaza far from resolution amid ongoing ceasefire violations by Israel.
The region has also been on edge as the United States pursues nuclear negotiations with Iran, prompting regional states to call for diplomacy rather than new military flare-ups.
Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are participants in US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which is scheduled to meet on Feb. 19 in Washington.
Islamabad and Riyadh have consistently coordinated positions over regional and global issues.
The foreign ministry did not provide further details of the discussion.
