JI leaders, workers arrested for planning ‘Gaza March’ outside US embassy

Sirajul Haq had announced a protest in front of US embassy on Sunday to show solidarity with the people of Gaza

Several leaders and members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) were apprehended on Saturday for planning to stage a protest demonstration outside the United States embassy in Islamabad on Sunday, demonstrating their support for the people of Palestine.

The Islamabad administration took the action against the party due to their refusal to relocate their planned protest away from the vicinity of the US embassy, Express News reported.

The protest was organised to express solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Read More: JI holds over 100 demonstrations

JI chief Sirajul Haq had announced the "Gaza March" to be conducted in front of the US embassy tomorrow. However, the administration denied permission for the protest demonstration near the federal capital's diplomatic enclave.

اسلام آباد میں پولیس جماعت اسلامی والوں پر ٹوٹ پڑی ہے
مارچ سے روکنے کےلئے گرفتاریاں شروع۔۔۔ !!! pic.twitter.com/iIw2wa24Rv

— Bushra Mughal ik (@bushra_ik) October 28, 2023

In a display of brute force, the Islamabad police and Frontier Constabulary (FC) confiscated the stage, sound systems, and other equipment from the city's red zone, effectively preventing the preparations for the Gaza Solidarity March.

During this operation, leaders and members of Jamaat-e-Islami resisted the authorities, resulting in the arrest of several activists and leaders, including the party’s Islamabad Amir, Nasrullah Randhawa.

Read More: Thousands march for Palestine cause

A spokesperson for the capital police informed the media that some individuals were detained for their involvement in blocking the Srinagar highway. He clarified that no political organisation would be allowed to disrupt roadways in Islamabad.

اسلام آباد میں ڈپلومیٹک انکلیو کے قریب مارچ کی اجازت دینے سے انتظامیہ کا انکار،اسلام آباد پولیس نے جماعت اسلامی کے کارکنوں کو گرفتار کرلیا،تشدد بھی کیا،امیرجماعت اسلامی اسلام آباد نصراللہ رندھاوا گرفتار۔ pic.twitter.com/Oui2mx3pOo

— آنسہ بٹ (@iamansaarmy) October 28, 2023

The Islamabad Police also resorted to teargas shelling to disperse the JI activists, subsequently reopening the Srinagar Highway for regular traffic.

Additionally, he emphasised that due to the imposition of Section 144 in the capital, no rallies or processions would be permitted within Islamabad's limits.