Youm-e-Ishq-e-Rasool: PML-N to hold rally against anti-Islam film today

Nawaz postpones scheduled visit to Sindh’s flooded areas. PHOTO: SANA/FILE

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has announced a rally for Friday (today) against the sacrilegious movie.

At a high-level party meeting on Thursday, PML-N president Nawaz Sharif directed all party leaders, lawmakers, office-bearers and workers to take part in a peaceful protest after Juma prayers on Youm-e-Ishq-e-Rasool to express their devotion for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Vigorously condemning the sacrilegious film, Nawaz said it was “every Muslim’s duty to condemn the film and participate in the peaceful protest against it.”

“The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was the torch-bearer of peace. Therefore, we should keep our protest peaceful, in light of Islamic teachings, and desist from extremism and vandalism,” he added.

Nawaz also postponed his visit to flood-stricken areas in Sindh scheduled for Friday as a mark of respect for Youm-e-Ishq-e-Rasool. The new date for the visit will be announced soon.

At the meeting, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced a public holiday in the province on Youm-e-Ishq-e-Rasool, reiterating Nawaz’s call for participation in the scheduled protest.

PML-N Senator Pervez Rashid, meanwhile, appealed the ‘Ashiqan-e-Rasool’ (devotees of the Holy Prophet) to remain peaceful during Friday’s protest as well. Asking people to avoid violence and hooliganism, he said, “Expressing anguish over this sensitive religious issue is the right of every Muslim but it is everyone’s responsibility to avoid damaging public and private property.”

PML-Q’s Riaz Pirzada calls on Nawaz

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) MNA Riaz Hussain Pirzada joined the PML-N on Thursday. Meeting Nawaz Sharif at Raiwind, Pirzada also urged all other Muslim Leagues to unite under Nawaz’s leadership.

Talking at the occasion, Nawaz said PML-N would welcome all Muslim Leaguers who agreed with the party’s agenda and programme.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st, 2012.