Massive protests across Pakistan on Friday as people united to condemn Israeli attacks and show support for Palestinians in Gaza.
Ongoing Crisis in Gaza:
Israeli shelling of Gaza has been intense since October 7, 2023. The attacks started when Hamas launched an unexpected attack on Israel. Israel is launching a massive military operation that has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians so far. Under the debris of demolished houses and structures, thousands more are still unaccounted for.
The majority of Gaza’s homes, schools, and hospitals have been demolished. In addition to bombs, the Gaza population is currently experiencing a serious lack of food, water, and medication. Over two million people have been forced from their homes, according to Palestinian nongovernmental organizations.
The International Criminal Court has even issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. Although a ceasefire was briefly announced in January, Israel resumed airstrikes on March 18, bringing more destruction.
Roads Closed as People March for Palestine:
As thousands came to protest, major routes in Karachi, including II Chundrigar Road, MA Jinnah Road, and Nishtar Road, were closed. The throngs were so dense that the traffic cops had to reroute vehicles to alternate routes. In the city, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) staged multiple rallies. Party leaders urged the government and Muslim countries to take decisive action to halt the assaults and denounced Israel’s activities. They also urged people to avoid buying Israeli items and those made in pro-Israel nations.
JI Karachi Chief Munim Zafar Khan addressed a large crowd at Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, urging immediate humanitarian support for Gaza and calling for a permanent ceasefire. Another religious group, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), also organized demonstrations in areas like Nagan Chowrangi, Lasbela Chowk, and Dawood Chowrangi. Their leaders said that the people of Gaza had had no food or water for the last 40 days, and over two million people were forced to leave their homes. Meanwhile, a group of teenagers tried to attack an international fast-food outlet in Gulshan-i-Iqbal but were stopped by police. One suspect was arrested.
Universities Join the Movement:
In Lahore, the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) arranged a solidarity walk. The walk was led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Younus. A large number of students and faculty members participated. They carried Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against Israeli aggression. Dr. Younus condemned Israel for attacking hospitals, schools, and homes. He praised the courage of the Palestinian people and urged Muslim countries to unite and take action to protect them. Similar solidarity walks were also held at UVAS campuses in other cities like Jhang, Narowal, and Layyah.
Protesters Demand Peace:
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, religious parties like JUI-F and JI organized protests in various cities, including Peshawar, Swat, Shangla, and Battagram.In Peshawar, local traders joined a protest rally and demanded that the Pakistani government do more to support Palestinians. JI district chief Bahrullah addressed the rally.
In Shangla, protesters blocked the Karakoram Highway and chanted slogans demanding world leaders to help stop the war in Gaza. Angry protestors even burned pictures of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump. JUI-F leaders said their protest was a message to the global community, highlighting the need for justice and human rights for Palestinians. They said such protests were part of their moral and religious responsibility.
Voices Against Silence:
JUI-F organized a march in Quetta that went from Jinnah Road to Manan Chowk. Hafiz Hussain Ahmed Sharudi, the district chief, spoke to the throng along with other party officials. They accused Muslim nations and human rights organizations of remaining mute while denouncing Israel for its attacks on defenceless Palestinians. They claimed that the bloodshed was also caused by individuals who chose to keep silent in the face of such cruelty. They called on all Muslims to avoid purchasing items from nations that back Israel. The speakers emphasized Gaza’s pressing need for food and medical supplies and declared that quiet was no longer an option.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir:
In Muzaffarabad, AJK, thousands of people participated in the ‘Labbaik Ya Aqsa March’ after Friday prayers. The march passed through Bank Road and Shah Sultan before ending at Burhan Wani Chowk. Power Development Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Rasheed and other prominent figures addressed the rally. They called for strong international action against Israel and said that the world could no longer ignore the suffering of the Palestinian people.
The speakers said that the Palestinian issue was not just a political one, it was a matter of human rights and Islamic unity. They questioned the silence of world powers and criticized the United Nations for failing to stop the violence.
They also condemned U.S. policies in support of Israel, especially decisions like recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital under former President Trump. Demonstrators burned Israeli flags and an effigy of Netanyahu after the rally.
United Voice from Pakistan:
These protests across Pakistan show that the people stand with Palestinians in their time of suffering. From students to traders, political parties to religious groups, everyone came together to demand justice and peace.
The demonstrators urged the United Nations to intervene immediately and urged the Pakistani government to adopt a firm diplomatic posture. Additionally, they urged Muslim countries to put aside their disagreements and unite in favour of Palestine.
Marches and demonstrations convey a strong message, yet they are powerless to halt explosives. They demonstrate to the world that people are concerned, that they will not remain silent, and that they will not overlook the pain of defenceless bystanders. Such public protests provide courage, hope, and a reminder that humanity endures even in the most dire circumstances, as the situation in Gaza continues to be dire.
