Rawalpindi resonates with anti-India slogans

People from different walks of life raise pro-military slogans, extend support to the army

RAWALPINDI: Having given a befitting response to Indian aggression, a host of anti-India and military solidarity rallies were staged in different parts of the city on Friday.

Rehmatabad Union Council Chairman Taj Abbasi led a rally on VVIP Road and Rehmatabad Road. Participants chanted slogans in favour of the army and carried banners and posters inscribed with similar messages. The rally marched through different areas as it made its way to its final destination.

Abbasi said that the entire nation was backing the military and that next time if India tried to violate Pakistan’s sovereignty, not only will they shoot down the intruding warplanes but also arrest any pilot who ejects.

Another rally was held on Murree Road where participants said that everyone in the country, including the political opposition, was on the same page as the government in wake of the Indian attack.

After the Friday prayers, the traders’ union staged a rally in Rawalpindi Cantonment. The protesters were joined by clerics, seminary students, traders and a large number of locals.

Protesters hoisted Pakistani flags and raised slogans in favour of the Pakistan military.

Addressing the rally, Traders Union President Sheikh Hafeez said that in the current war-like scenario, the traders’ community was ready to sacrifice its wealth and life for the defence of the country.

Secretary-General Zafar Qadri said that the military has proved that not only do they have the capacity to counter Indian aggression but also have the courage to go into Indian territory and shoot down their warplanes.

Expressing solidarity with the military, the youth of Tali Mohri staged a unique rally. People participating in the rally carried a 300 metre-long Pakistani flag and marched. Holding the standard, they marched from Dheri Chowk to Kachehri Chowk.

Participants raised slogans against India and declared that in any untoward situation, they stand by the military.

Jamiat-ulema-Taliba-e-Islam organised a Defence of Pakistan March at Murree Chowk to express solidarity with the military.

Participants held up banners and placards in their hands on which anti-India slogans were inscribed.

Members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Faza (F) group workers rallied from Islamia University at Kamran Market to Bank Road to express solidarity with the military.

A large number of clerics and seminary students participated in the rally.

Other rallies were staged by the Pakistan Clerks Association and Sunni Ulema Council on Murree Road and Adiyala Road.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2019.