City echoes with pro-Palestine chants

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Karachi on Friday to mark Youm-e-Quds, expressing solidarity with Palestinians and voicing criticism of Israel and its allies. The rally, held on the eve of Jumatul Wida, transformed MA Jinnah Road into a demonstration of support for the Palestinian people.

Youm-e-Quds Rally Draws Thousands in Karachi

Organised by Tehreek-e-Azadi-e-Quds Pakistan, the central Azadi-e-Qibla-e-Awwal rally began at Numaish Chowrangi and proceeded along MA Jinnah Road to Tibet Centre, culminating in a large gathering.

Participants included people from all walks of life – religious scholars, political leaders, lawyers, doctors, and members of civil society – alongside women, men, and children.

Clerics addressing the rally stated that Youm-e-Quds was a day to advocate for Palestinians and oppressed people worldwide, echoing the call of late Iranian leader Imam Khomeini to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people.

Speakers expressed concern over challenges facing the Muslim world, but asserted that the presence of “aware youth linked to the axis of resistance” would counter expansionist plans, such as “Greater Israel.”

At Tibet Centre, speakers criticised the policies of the United States, Israel, Britain, and India, accusing them of aggression against the Muslim world and called on the government of Pakistan to clarify its stance on international developments.

Several speakers requested a joint session of parliament to discuss the regional situation and Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, placards, and portraits of Iranian leaders, chanting slogans against the US, Israel, and India. Effigies and flags representing those countries were set ablaze.

Tribute was paid to children killed in the Iranian city of Minab, with students placing school bags and flowers in their memory.

Those who addressed the gathering included ISO central president Ameen Shirazi, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Maulana Amin Shaheedi, Maulana Nazir Abbas Taqvi, Karachi Bar Association President Aamir Nawaz Warraich, and Maulana Mirza Yousuf Hussain.