Thousands participate in Gaza March on Mall Road; JI calls for effective international action to protect Palestinians and end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
LAHORE: A “Gaza March” was organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore on Mall Road to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, raise a voice against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and demand protection of the basic rights of Palestinians. Thousands of people, including children, women, youth and senior citizens, participated in the march.
The march was led by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Vice Ameer Liaqat Baloch, while Acting Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore Khalid Ahmed Butt, Secretary JI Lahore Azhar Bilal, Naib Ameers, Deputy Secretaries, district and zone-level office-bearers, and other leaders and workers also participated.
The march started from Masjid-e-Shuhada on Mall Road and proceeded towards the Assembly Hall and concluded at Charing Cross. Participants carried Palestinian flags, banners and placards expressing solidarity with Palestinians and demanding an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, effective implementation of the ceasefire and protection of Palestinian rights.
Addressing the participants, Liaqat Baloch said that the sacrifices of the Palestinians have awakened the world, while Palestinian resistance has demonstrated its strength to global powers. Three years after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, people across the world are expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
He said that the destruction and loss of human lives in Gaza over the past three years had exposed a grave humanitarian crisis before the international community. The killing of civilians, including women and children, was deeply alarming. Despite the ceasefire, reports of continued tensions and military operations were emerging, while the civilian population continued to face severe shortages of food, clean water, healthcare, shelter and other basic necessities.
Liaqat Baloch said that despite continuous war and immense hardships, the Palestinian people had set an example of steadfastness and struggle for their rights. The sacrifices of the Palestinians have exposed Israel’s weaknesses before the world, while Palestinian resistance has challenged its military strength. He said Israel had been exposed internationally despite political and military support from the United States.
He stressed that the international community must take practical and effective measures to ensure implementation of the ceasefire, protect Palestinian civilians and guarantee the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Serious diplomatic efforts were also required for lasting peace in the region.
The JI leader said that Palestinian civilians in the West Bank were also facing violence and military operations. Incidents involving civilians, including children, were deeply concerning and required effective international attention.
Liaqat Baloch said that unity among Muslim countries was essential for Palestine and for resolving challenges facing the Muslim world. The leadership of the Muslim world must understand the gravity of the current situation. If Muslim countries failed to unite, destruction and instability in the region would continue to increase.
He said that attacks on Saudi Arabia could not be tolerated under any circumstances. Jamaat-e-Islami welcomed the defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye and called for further expansion of defence and strategic cooperation among Muslim countries.
Regarding tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, Liaqat Baloch said that Muslim countries should play their role in resolving the dispute through dialogue and make efforts to facilitate negotiations between the parties.
Speaking about the political situation in Pakistan, Liaqat Baloch said that PTI had offered unconditional talks with the government, and the government should engage in dialogue with it. Jamaat-e-Islami wanted political and economic stability in the country.
He said, “We ask Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to hold talks with Jamaat-e-Islami as promised.” He added that the long march had been postponed following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and JI Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman.
Liaqat Baloch said that Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal had contacted the leadership the previous day and assured them that the Prime Minister would meet Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman soon. The government should honour its commitments and resolve political matters through dialogue.
He said that Jamaat-e-Islami had always raised its voice for the rights of the Palestinian people. Relief activities for the victims of Gaza were also continuing through Alkhidmat Foundation.
Liaqat Baloch further said that nationwide demonstrations had been held today on the appeal of Jamaat-e-Islami in solidarity with the Palestinian people. He recalled that Jamaat-e-Islami had also recently organized protests across the country against the petroleum levy, raising its voice against the economic hardships faced by the people.
He said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue its struggle for political and economic stability, relief for the people and protection of their fundamental rights.
The Gaza March concluded with participants reaffirming solidarity with the Palestinian people and demanding an effective ceasefire, uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to Gaza, protection of Palestinian civilians and recognition of their fundamental rights.
