Religious leaders oppose women's I-Day marathon

HYDERABAD:

The leaders from various religious parties of Hyderabad have expressed strong concern over the planned women's marathon to mark Independence Day, demanding that the Sindh government and district administration withdraw the decision.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club, they warned that if the event is not cancelled, they will go to any extent to stop it.

The press conference was addressed by Jamaat-e-Islami district chief Hafiz Tahir Majeed, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Taj Muhammad Nahiyon, JUP central vice president Nazim Ali Arain, Shia Ulema Council leader Syed Moazzam Shah Jehanian, Central Muslim League's Umar Farooq, Tehreek Tahaffuz Khatm-e-Nubuwwat's Saif-ur-Rehman, and others. They said Pakistan was founded in the name of Islam, which strictly prescribes modesty for women, and that a public women's marathon was not only un-Islamic but also against Sharia.