JI takes to the streets in support of Palestine

Sirajul Haq appeals to Muslim countries to expel US envoys in protest

KARACHI: Thousands of participants marched on main University Road in a rally organised on Sunday by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) against United States President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to shift the US embassy to Jerusalem and his acknowledgment of the city as Israel’s capital.

The protesters staged the ‘Al-Quds Million March’ from NIPA Chowrangi to Hasan Square.

The protesters were angered by US President Donald Trump's acknowledgment of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS

Scores of people from all walks of life carried placards and banners and chanted slogans against the US and Israel while marching along one of the city’s main arteries. Many also brandished Palestinian flags while other had their faces painted with red, black, green and white – the colours of the Palestinian flag.

Those who were leading the march wore camouflage uniforms and held toy guns.

"I appeal to all Muslim countries to form a Muslim army and joint currency in order to face the enemies of Islam," said JI Amir Sirajul Haq while addressing the large gathering of people.

According to him, 2018 will be the year of the liberation of Palestine. He requested the participants of the rally to stay aware until the Islamic system of government is not implemented in Pakistan and lamented that the rulers of Muslim countries are ignorant, but at least their citizens are awake.

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"The love for Baitul Muqaddas [Jerusalem] is a part of every Muslim's faith," Haq said, adding that the million-march has been organised show solidarity with the Muslims of Palestine.

He urged the Muslim world to expel US envoys from their countries in protest against the US’s move to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

“I congratulate the residents of Karachi for coming out in large numbers and showing that the Muslim ummah is wide awake and we have been successful in giving a very clear message to the US and Israel,” he said. "We won't allow anyone to harm Baitul Muqaddas by making it a capital," said Haq. However, he lamented that Muslims around the world were not united.

According to him, this large congregation of people clearly showed that Pakistanis are with Al-Quds.

The rally participants marched from NIPA Chowrangi to Hassan Square. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS

"The freedom of Al-Quds is entirely dependent on the Muslim ummah and JI has come out to unite it," he maintained, adding that Muslims should set aside Sunni-Shia differences.

He appealed to Muslim countries to send Israeli missions back from their countries until Trump reverses his decision.

The Islamic army should come forward to protect Baitul Muqaddas, said Haq, adding that we need to establish a Palestine support fund since Palestine is a holy place for Muslims and it is the responsibility of every Muslim to protect it. He also urged Saudi Arabia to put Palestine and Kashmir in the agenda of the Islamic army. Among others who addressed the rally were JI’s Karachi Amir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, Mili Muslim League Vice-President Dr Muzammil Iqbal and Shia scholars.