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Lahore: On the appeal of Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, a large protest demonstration was held in the southern areas of Lahore as part of a countrywide protest campaign. The demonstration was organized to condemn the alleged police action, shelling, and arrests of peaceful protesters outside the Sindh Assembly in Karachi.The protest was led by Naib Ameer Liaquat Baloch, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore Ziauddin Ansari Advocate, Ameer South Lahore Mirza Abdul Rasheed, and Secretary General Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore Azhar Bilal. A large number of party workers and citizens participated in the demonstration, holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans against what they termed state repression in Karachi.Addressing the participants, Liaquat Baloch stated that the citizens of Karachi had taken to the streets to demand their basic rights and the resolution of municipal issues, but were allegedly subjected to unfair treatment. He said that attempts to suppress peaceful protest through the use of force were contrary to democratic values. He further remarked that the city’s administrative structure had failed to meet public expectations and that instead of resolving issues, authorities were arresting those raising their voices.He reiterated that Jamaat-e-Islami stands with the people of Karachi at every level and will continue its constitutional and democratic struggle.
Ziauddin Ansari Advocate said that protest is a constitutional and legal right of every citizen and cannot be taken away through force. He strongly condemned the alleged police violence against peaceful sit-in participants and demanded the immediate release of those arrested. He added that in democratic societies, dissent is tolerated and the use of force only complicates matters rather than resolving them.Azhar Bilal stated that Karachi is the economic hub of Pakistan and that providing basic civic facilities to its residents is the responsibility of the state. He said that citizens seeking their rights should be protected rather than being booked in cases. He urged party workers to continue their struggle in an organized and peaceful manner and to raise their voice for solutions through democratic means. Mirza Abdul Rasheed highlighted that the people of Karachi have long been facing municipal challenges, including water shortages, broken roads, and other civic issues. He termed the use of force instead of practical measures to address these problems as regrettable.The speakers reaffirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami is a peaceful and democratic party that believes in pursuing public rights within the framework of the Constitution and law, and will continue to raise its voice against injustice at every forum.
