Ishq-e-Rasool Day: 20 killed, over 200 wounded in protests across Pakistan
After Friday prayers, protests erupted in several cities across the country which soon turned violent. As the police remained unable to control the protesters, a loss to life and property was reported.
A total of 20 people were killed across the country and more than 200 were wounded during the protests. Cinemas, banks, vehicles and fuel stations were torched, while markets were also vandalised.
Two police officials were also killed during clashes in Karachi.
The central leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (JUI-F) Maulana Fazal Rehman commended the nation over successful protests across the country against the anti-Islam film.
Political parties have called for observing a day of sorrow on Saturday over those killed in Karachi on Friday. Transporters in the city have also announced their decision to keep their vehicles off the roads.
Three PTI supporters killed
Three supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) were killed and 35 were injured when the police allegedly opened fire on them at the Native Jetty Bridge as they were making their way to the party’s rally at Empress Market.
Around 50 other PTI protesters were arrested at the Kemari Police Station.
Talking to The Express Tribune, the party’s spokesperson Faisal Vawda condemned the act and said that the supporters were unarmed and were not creating any havoc. He said that the government is to be blamed for this act "as it had instructed the police to open fire at citizens".
“Once again the government has proved that it’s actually the criminals who are running its machinery,” he said. “The government did not react to the people who looted banks and burnt public and private properties while it ordered to kill innocent protesters.”
He added that the party will define a strategy and fight against the killings. The party leaders visited the families of the deceased late Friday night.
The funeral prayers of the deceased workers, Qari Khalid, Ghaffar and Shafiq, will be held at 10am on Saturday at KPT Ground. The party also plans to lodge an FIR against the government tomorrow against the killings.
End of live updates
9:50pm
At least 15 people have been killed and more than 200 wounded during the protests, including 10 in Karachi and five in Peshawar, hospital officials told AFP.
The combined total of wounded in Karachi, Peshawar and in the capital Islamabad has reached 219.
A doctor at Karachi's Jinnah hospital told AFP they had received five dead and 65 people with injuries, while the city's Civil hospital said it had also had five bodies, including that of a police officer, and at least 40 injured.
Hospital doctors in Peshawar gave a combined total of 79 people wounded.
In Islamabad, a doctor at the Services Hospital said 35 people were brought in with injuries, including eight policemen and four civilians with gunshot wounds.
9:29pm
A total of five cinemas have been gutted down in Karachi, including Nishat, Capri and Bambino in Saddar and Gulistan and Nargas in Quaidabad.
9:08pm
Protesters torch a church in the Mardan town of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
8:59pm
Talking to the media in Islamabad, Interior Minister Rehman Malik expressed regret over the suspension of mobile phone services in Pakistan, reported Radio Pakistan.
Malik also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives during riots and asserted that the government had protested at every level against the blasphemous film.
8:33pm
Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif has appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful.
7:40pm
The combined total of wounded in Karachi, Peshawar and in the capital Islamabad has reached 195, according to AFP.
Doctor Mohammad Shafqat of Karachi’s Jinnah hospital told AFP that it had received four dead bodies and 65 people with injuries, with more wounded arriving.
Doctor Mohammad Ayub at the Civil hospital, said his medics had received five dead bodies, including that of a police officer, and at least 40 injured.
7:28pm
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain appealed to the people that if they love Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), then they should keep the protests peaceful “at all costs”.
Hussain also appealed to the UN and OIC to take immediate notice of the blasphemous film and the cartoons published in France. He said that the world might see the third world war if action was not taken against them.
7:08pm
The US Chargé D'Affaires Ambassador Richard Hoagland was summoned by the Foreign Ministry and a strong protest was lodged with him over the blasphemous video.
He was told that the US government should immediately take measures to remove the sacrilegious video from YouTube and take action against its maker.
Ambassador Hoagland reiterated his government’s position as well that of the US leadership that they strongly condemned the video. He stated that a vast majority of the American people have also condemned it.
6:53pm
Cell phone services have been suspended again in Karachi.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf have expressed grief over the death of ARY TV worker Muhammad Amir in Peshawar.
In separate messages, they urged the nation to remain peaceful during the protests.
The president and the prime minister said that a peaceful protest was the appropriate way of expressing sentiments.
6:47pm
Death toll in Karachi riots reach 14, reports Express News. More than 80 people are reported to be injured in the city.
6:44pm
Rangers have been summoned in Lahore to disperse the protesters.
Karachi Deputy Commissioner South Mustafa Kazi told the media that around 100 protesters have been arrested by the police so far.
6:27pm
Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira criticised the ongoing protests and said that this was not the right way of expressing love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). “Pakistan is the only Muslim country in the world which has lodged a protest on a state-level,” he remarked.
Kaira stated that it was the national responsibility to provide security to embassies and consulate in Pakistan. “We have our consulates in the world as well.”
Religious leader Mufti Naeem also disapproved of the violent protests and maintained that the ulema community should make a strong appeal and talk to the people.
“This is our government’s fault. The government provided this opportunity to the people. It should have sent a representative to the US to lodge a protest and should have boycotted the US products instead of declaring a day like this,” he maintained.
6:21pm
Express News is reporting that a blast was heard near the Native Jetty Bridge in Karachi.
6:03pm
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, speaking to Express News, expressed support for the protests but maintained that the damage done to property during riots was helping fulfill the “enemies' ambitions”.
“I have given instructions to the administration to talk to the ulema and the protesters instead of using force,” he said and added that force had to be used in Lahore when some protesters tried to reach the US Consulate. “Otherwise, the protests were kept peaceful with interactions.”
5:57pm
Unidentified men opened fire at Hyderabad Press Club.
Mobile services have also been partially restored in Peshawar.
A cinema located on Toghi Road in Quetta has been set on fire.
5:47pm
Three police vans have been torched outside the Chief Minister House in Karachi.
5:36pm
During riots in Karachi, three police vans, five cars, five cinemas and five banks have been torched so far.
Ten people have died in the protests, including two policemen.
5:16pm
Cellular services in Karachi and Lahore have been partially restored.
5:07pm
A fast-food restaurant in the industrial area of Karachi has been set on fire, while a cinema in the Landhi area has been trashed.
4:55pm
Express News reports that two more cinemas on MA Jinnah Road, other than Nishat Cinema, have been torched by protesters.
4:49pm
Visuals from the Faizabad area of Rawalpindi showed police vehicles on fire.
Protesters have also targeted the fire brigade in Karachi.
4:45pm
Protesters have torched a petrol pump in the Faizabad area of Rawalpindi.
4:41pm
There is no sign of police in the Aabpara area of Rawalpindi.
Two banks have been torched near PIDC in Karachi.
Protesters are reported to be looting shops and businesses near PIDC. The area is close to one of the routes that lead to the US Consulate in Karachi.
4:39pm
According to Geo News, Prince Cinema in Karachi has also been set on fire.
Five police vehicles have been set ablaze in the Faizabad area of Rawalpindi. Protesters and the police have been regularly clashing in the area.
4:37pm
A private bank on GT Road, Peshawar, has also been set on fire.
4:35pm
Express News correspondent Qamar ul Munawar in Islamabad reports that the direction of the wind is towards the police, due to which the tear gas is flowing towards them instead of the protesters.
In Lahore, the protesters are reported to be close to the US Consulate.
PPI reports that cellular services will remain suspended till 6pm.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Jhang, Multan, Khanewal‚ Chakwal‚ Kot Moman‚ Attock‚ Murree and Chakri are currently facing suspended cellular services.
4:32pm
Protesters in Islamabad’s Red Zone reach the last barricade of containers and continue to clash with the police. Express News reported that around 15,000 more protesters have entered the Red Zone.
A bank on MA Jinnah Road in Lahore has been set on fire.
4:27pm
Protesters in Karachi set Nishat Cinema on fire.
4:24pm
Two police officials have been killed so far. The second casualty came after a policeman injured during clashes at Sohrab Goth passed away.
During an ASWJ protest in Karachi, a dog was seen wrapped in the US flag among the protesters.
Protesters and police officials continue to clash in PIDC area of Karachi.
4:03pm
A police official who was injured during the clash at Native Jetty Bridge has passed away.
4:00pm
Protesters in Islamabad are pelting stones at the police in efforts to enter the heavily-guarded diplomatic enclave. The police, in turn, fired tear gas at them.
3:55pm
In Lahore, one police official was injured during a clash with the protesters, who have managed to cross over the containers that were placed to block them. They say that they want to go to the US Consulate to register their protest.
In Karachi, the police resorted to aerial firing at the Native Jetty Bridge to disperse the protesters. Protests have also emerged in the Numaish area of Karachi.
3:48pm
Protesters were successful in removing containers from Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam. They are marching towards US Consulate.
3:43pm
Police started aerial firing as an influx of protesters marched towards Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam in Lahore.
3:38pm
A youngster in Lahore jumped off a pole during a protest. He was shifted to a nearby hospital where his condition is said to be critical.
3:32pm
Police officials at the Red Zone appear to be helpless in front of the protesters. The protesters have gloves on and are picking up the teargas shells to hurl them back at the police.
Many police personnel have passed out.
3:24pm
A heavy contingent of police has been deployed at Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam in Lahore in order to obstruct the movement of a rally proceeding towards the road.
3:18pm
Aerial monitoring of the Red Zone is being done by helicopters.
3:10pm
According to Express News correspondent Qamarul Munawwar, a vigourous clash took place between the police and the protesters at the Red Zone in Islamabad.
Munawwar reported that protesters hurled burning tyres and stones at the police and crossed the barriers placed by the police and have entered the Red Zone.
The police personnel have taken positions to start shelling.
Rangers deployed around Diplomatic Enclave have been alerted.
3:03pm
Protests have sparked in Sohrab Goth, Gurumandar and Khudadad Chowrangi areas of Karachi, while three people have been injured in firing incidents in Steel Town.
Angry protesters blocked National Highway in Karachi.
Death toll in Karachi has reached four.
2:50pm
Police in Islamabad had to resort to aerial firing in order to disperse protesters as they were setting up containers to create cordon points. The protesters, armed with sticks and stones, have been attacking the police and have also destroyed billboards and traffic signals on the route.
Close to 200 protesters from the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat (ASWJ) have gathered at the Qayyumabad Chowrangi in Karachi.
2:40pm
Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) protesters have moved towards the Red Zone in Islamabad. Containers have been placed at all entry and exit points and security personnel are also present.
Gen (retd) Hamid Gul was also seen addressing protesters. It has been reported that Rehman Malik had earlier asked DPC members not to move towards the Red Zone.
Protesters trying to enter Islamabad via the Faizabad Interchange have clashed with the police. Police has resorted to using teargas.
2:30pm
All routes leading to Mall Road have been blocked. Those traveling on foot or on cycles have made it to the area. It has also been reported that an equal number of people are also making their way to the area.
Express News correspondent Talib Faridi has reported that demonstrators have said that they will continue with their “peaceful” protest till action is taken against the film.
Protesters in the area also pelted stones and tried to move containers that have been placed to block routes.
2:25pm
The situation is reported to be tense in parts of Karachi. Rioting has been reported in the Sohrab Goth and Super Highway areas of the city.
2:21pm
Talib Faridi of Express News reported that a huge rally has congregated at Mall Road in Lahore, with participants from Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q), members of the civil society, lawyers and shopkeepers from Mall Road and Anarkali bazaars.
2:12pm
The Interior Ministry has summoned U.S. Charge d' Affaires Ambassador Richard Hoagland and asked him to get the film removed from YouTube.
1:52pm
Islamabad police confronted protesters near Faizabad Bridge.
An Ishq-e-Rasool Conference is being held at Governor House Punjab in which members of all religious parties have participated.
Three resolutions have been passed during the conference determining steps that will be taken in the future against any blasphemous moves. The resolutions also seek assistance from the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and Muslim countries.
1:27pm
The entry and exit points of Islamabad have been sealed.
1:24pm
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif said that the Government of Punjab condemns the anti-Islam film and that the entire nation is protesting against it.
He said that the film is a form of “open terrorism”. Sharif further said that disrespect of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) cannot be tolerated.
“All the entry and exit points of Karachi are heavily guarded. Helicopters are on stand-by for aerial surveillance,” provincial police chief Fayyaz Laghari told AFP.
“We have deployed our maximum police force to the sensitive parts of the city to ensure security during protest rallies today,” he added.
1:13pm
Newsweek Pakistan, in a message posted on Twitter, reported that a correspondent of ARY News was killed by police bullets in Peshawar. However, Express News reported that a driver named Muhammad Amir, employed by a private TV channel was killed in the incident.
1:02pm
The building of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been set ablaze by protesters.
1:00pm
Express News correspondent Imran Asghar reported that Islamabad police has ran out of rubber bullets as a result of heavy firing.
He said that when protesters in Rawalpindi ran out of tyres to burn, they broke into tyre shops located at the Pir Widai Road and stole tyres from there.
A control room has been established in the Red Zone in Islamabad on the orders of Chief Commissioner. The control room is tasked to monitor the security situation and keep the Interior Ministry updated.
Different political and religious parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, Jamaatud Dawa, Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat, Jamaatud Dawa, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have announced that rallies will be taken out after Friday prayers.
12:43pm
Three police officials in Rawalpindi and one in Peshawar fell unconscious after teargas was fired.
A number of protesters were also injured during firing in Peshawar.
Protesters in Gujranwala burnt effigies of US President Barack Obama during a demonstration.
12:35pm
A 2kg bomb recovered from Bhana Mari area of Peshawar has been defused.
12:33pm
Express News correspondent Naeem Qaiser reported that all the roads leading to the Office of Consul General of US located at Shimla Pahari have been blocked with containers, while Mall Road that leads to US Consulate in Lahore has also been blocked.
Aftab Khan from Karachi reported that Jamaatud Dawa, Jamaat-e-Islami have announced that they will hold rallies after Friday prayers. The rally will march from Guru Mandir to US Consulate.
12:22pm
Roads leading to the US Consulate have been sealed in Karachi.
12:20pm
A contingent of Pakistan Army has been deployed around the US Consulate in Peshawar in order to thwart any possible terror bid.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik has ordered that security in Islamabad be tightened and that no members of banned outfits will be allowed into the city. He said that directives in this regard have been issued to the Inspector General of Police Islamabad.
12:15pm
A demonstration organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is being carried out in Quetta.
The protesters in Peshawar said that they will proceed towards the US Consulate after Friday prayers.
12:10pm
Express News correspondent Islamuddin reported that many protesters fainted as a result of the teargas shelled by the police. They have been shifted to Lady Reading Hospital.
He added that an additional contingent of police has been deployed around Firdous Cinema, while the fire brigade has been called to put out the fire. Islamuddin said that cinema’s interior has been completely destroyed by the fire.
12:02pm
Police opened fire and fired teargas shells to disperse the mob in Peshawar.
Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad.
11:59am
The Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat (ASWJ) has taken out a rally in Hyderabad in which protesters are burning US flags.
Members of the Sikh Community are also protesting against the sacrilegious film in Nankana Sahib.
11:49am
Protesters in Peshawar set ablaze Firdous Cinema and destroyed shops located nearby.
COMMENTS (170)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1731329418-0/BeFunky-collage-(39)1731329418-0-405x300.webp "article")
1731737597-0/Untitled-design-(12)1731737597-0-270x192.webp "sindh cabinet undergoes major reshuffle")
I am agreed with the critics calling the holiday a pandering attempt to please hard-line Islamist parties whose influence has been on the rise here in recent days. A planned conspiracy has been hatched by the concerned quarters. During the protest,peaceful workers of the PTI were targeted deliberately. The matter is highly concerned needs fair investigation and bring the person responsible of highhandedness to justice.
@Afzaal Khan: In case you havent noticed it has become a blasphemy in Pakistan to not riot. People are fast loosing the option of staying at home my friend :P
Let no one doubt the great love that Pakistani people have for the Prophet. Any sacrifice necessary will be given gladly, without batting an eyelid, to save the reputation of Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
Religions are no different then the Placebos
Yesterday, a church in Mardan (a small town in Northern Pakistan) was burnt; an act equivalent to my view as Blasphemy. The news was in the headlines of a reputable News Paper today so apparently, its genuine. I wonder if Americans, British and Europeans are going to stage protests in their respective countries and burn Pakistani Flags, effigies of President Zardari, their Government Buildings?
Happy "Ishq-e-Rasool" day tribuners! talk about one of the new "holiday" added the calender huh? celebrated across the globe by Muslims on such short notice... but how'd they do it? lets see...burned tires, flags, caused lots of destruction, burned down churches, torched cinemas, banks, vehicles and fuel stations, vandalized shops and had fun playing in the blood of fellow brothers and sisters. yeah baby, we're "ashiq-e-Rasool"
Rejoice my countrymen. We have won the war against the Americans. We have denied them bombing us into stone age. We have done that ourselves successfully. Rejoice my countrymen
These people were not Muslims, they were aliens especially agents of CIA, Mossad & RAW. I think now its time to accept the reality that this nation is senseless and insane at a very high level.
Atleast, Pakistan has full capability to self destruct. Couple of more films and the country is history.
Thanks GOD Pakistan seprated from India
Only an insane will burn his own house when wronged by somebody.
Ignorant can make a difference, but, when he does, IT CANT BE GOOD!
It was truly sad to witness today's horror wreaked upon the nation in the name of the most beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him), who was raised to perfect the morals of mankind. However, unfortunately by witnessing today's horror I see an equation here. The rotton and shameless critics of the Holy Prophet (SA) insult the Holy Prophet verbally while we as a nation start demonstrating exactly like he, the holiest of all holy personages, has been accused of by his enemies. It is a strange love! God forbid. God save us from this very foolish and injurious behaviour.
the nastiness is going to get worse soon. as a response to the violent response to the idiotic video, there is going to be more hate pouring out from the anti-islamists in the usa. the response to the video only made the situation worse for muslims everywhere. it only gave more fuel to the people who say islam is a violent religion, and that this killing and destruction is just more proof. they will keep up the anti-islam smears and make them as offensive as possible to provoke more violence. they win. nobody hears about the people who protest peacefully. americans point to all the other religions and races who get smeared and vilified on youtube and in the media, and say, 'see, they didnt kill, burn, loots-but the muslims do.' these extremist imams and violent people are the worst enemies of muslims and islam. anti-muslim posters are being put up in NYC by some hate org in the usa, and cartoons are being printed in france. the extremist imams and the violent protesters will make the anti-islamists very happy if mayhem and destruction occur. if they have any brains at all, these devout protectors of islam will take the higher road with peaceful demonstrations. that will really annoy the people who want to inflame and spread islamophobia.
Wow. So much for the LOVE OF PROPHET. Never heard a single Molvi protesting the burning of Israeli flag, as the Eight-Point Star is the Symbol of Prophet David / Hazrat Daud (PBUH) which people burn almost every month in some so-called religious protest. Islam teaches us that our religion is not complete if we do not believe in ALL the prophets, not just Mohammad (PBUH). Looks like the majority is too busy in Defending the name of Mohammad (PBUH), never seen a single guy in my life protesting against the most unbelievably ridiculous and most disrespectful cartoons, caricatures, references etc of Jesus, Moses, Mary etc. The film is absolutely unacceptable and Im against it with all my heart, but in Pakistan people only preach, learn and practice Apnay Matlab Ki Baaten. Wah Yaum-e-Ishq-e-Rasool Wah!!!
Shame on Government which provided fuel for the already mad people of Pakistan.All of these idiots participating in these violent activities do not even know what Islam means and they do not even know what our Prophet (P.B.U.H) teachings are?They are just a frustrated nation.How many of them have fulfilled their duty of following teachings of Islam and Prophet(P.B.U.H)?By seeing today's madness of these people none of them is even a sensible human being what to say of a Muslim.Every mullah does this to gain sympathies of jaaaahil awaaaam and the present government also did not want to miss their chance of winning sympathies of this jaaahil awaaam and looters.Shame on us........
Where is the law and order in this country?
@sam:
Somebody who is laughing all the way to the bank.
Astaghfirullah, what a disgrace to the man who was sent as a mercy to the worlds. When the Prophet SAW led people in battle he told them not to hurt any women and children, not to burn down trees or fields, not to destroy property or kill cattle, and not even to harm those who were fleeing from battle. And this is what we are doing in the name of defending his honor? Our peaceful protest consists of burning and looting. Have these people heard what the punishment of damaging another muslim's property is? And what of burning churches? Did the Prophet SAW burn the churches and places of worship? Wasn't it a Christian king of Abyssinia who gave shelter to the Muslimin? Shame on these people, may Allah have mercy on them for disgracing a great man, and may they be guided. Ameen.
Pakistan has declared a holiday to protest the anti-islamic movie. They are curious to see if they can make the economy worse than the film - Saad Haroon (a standup comedian)
Two liners summed it up. .
Pakistan has declared a holiday to protest the aniti-islamic movie. They are curious to see if they can make the economy worse than the film - Saad Haroon (a standup comedian).
Two liners summed it up. .
I think pakistani nation does not need any ENEMY. They can destroy this country themselves.
I do not know when we PAKISTANIS' will learn how to protest without loss of life and without damaging public property.When we can behave like a civilizeded nation.
We must not judge the book by its cover this violent and criminal behavior by the mob does not represent the teachings of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) I think it is not fair to blame the religion of Islam for criminal act committed by a Muslim just as you will find it totally unacceptable if anybody blamed Christianity or Jesus Christ (PBUH) for the criminal and terrorist acts committed Timothy McVeigh and Hitler.
@sam:
I once read about this guy somewhere who makes US flags and he said that his business is booming especially at times like this or whenever there is a heightened anti US sentiment (which is usually always)
We the poor nation of pakistan playing in the hands of so called Muslim scholars working on the agenda of CIA should officially be called Terrorist-State.
@mohsin shinwari: because media was not showing so you decided to burn private property to attract media attention. A big conspiracy against Pakistan.
If this is how you celebrate Ishq, how do you celebrate hatred? Oh wait, we know...
why??? why??? tell me someone, why did my people get killed, why did my businesses get burned and gutted, why tell me in the name of islam, we are destroying our properties, killing our own people?
Declaring of holiday for a nation wide protest by the Pakistan govt was a huge success as evident from the live coverage report on ET. The biggest gainer of this protest was the Pakistan govt itself who successfully diverted the public extreme dissatisfaction against it due to recent sectarian killings, rising prices and unemployment etc by allowing general public to protest freely and release their pent up feelings by indulging in violence, destruction of govt and private property. Release of controversial cartoons in France gives the Pak govt yet another opportunity to continue its success story by allowing nation wide protests on next Friday.
@naeem Khan Manhattan,Ks: "This is just insane, destroying property and killing own people while the enemies of Pakistan are smiling."
Increasingly it seems like Pakistanis are their own worst enemy.
What happened to us? why we are so intolerant..
Poor American doesn’t realize what they had done and still doing, investing everything in Pakistani elite, which has Swiss accounts. Look at China not interested in Pakistani politics, has no interest in Pakistani elite, not interested in Pakistani poor and yet nobody can talk against China. These things has nothing to do with America or film, this is all about poverty. I think majority of comments maker never witnessed poverty, and may Almighty they never witness, when people think that nobody is watching them their desire to become rich evoke and they loot whatever they find, and a mob has this mentality. Great things have small beginnings, in Pakistan laws are for poor only and elite class enjoy every kind of freedom and if these looters tell stories of their looting to those who are not yet in streets tomorrow may be we witness large scale looting, like in London we had witnessed. I fear that every passing day bring new suffering for Pakistani because we talk too much and act too little. Everybody in Pakistan has to follow the law otherwise we’re digging our graves; I am 100% sure about that.
And I thought that Ishq-e-Rasool Day was meant for durood and duas. The only justification I can come up with for such behavior is mass psychosis.
And I'd also like to put up a flag for our police force - say what you want about them (and a lot of it's probably justified), but at the end of the day these men leave their families behind to put themselves on the frontline against some very senseless acts of violence so we don't have to, and they're poorly compensated for it to say the least (in terms of resources, financial compensation and above all any sort of respect - let alone support - from the public).
Ishq-e-Rasool Day: 15 killed, over 200 wounded in protests across Pakistan
do I have to say anything else?
Dear Brothers, today the nation celebrated the Yaum Ishq-e- Rasul. I am sure you must have done your bit to celebrate this day. I feel so ashamed that that I did nothing. I stayed in my home. I did not go out: · to join any procession which forced the closing of roads and disturbing the traffic flow creating problems for the common man · I did not burn tyres and contributed towards chaos on roads and streets nor did I contributed towards environmental pollution · I did not destroy govt as well as private property to show my love for the Prophet · I did not attend religious /politically motivated jalsas where everyone proclaimed his love for the Prophet, instigating the sentiments of illiterate lot · I did not contribute towards enhancing the miseries of the daily wages earners who had no work today and hence no earnings to support his family · I did not send any SMSs proclaiming my love for the Prophet as the govt has shut down all mobile phone networks · I want to lay down my life for the honor of the Holy Prophet but nobody told me how to do it. Should I bang my head against the wall or jump into a well or pick up a fight with somebody not acceding to my religious beliefs and get killed in the process?
All I did was to recite Darud Sharif 100 times as per the hadith that “whosoever recites Darud Sharif 100 times on Friday for me, will be blessed 70 times in the life here after and 30 times in this world”
@Simi
have you read them in your language?:
making fools of yourselves.
Pakistani media is still focussing on what Muslims can do have a military rule on the globe where no one can ever say anything bad about profit , I had thought that after so much barbarian behavior today they would finally invite psychiatrists to do some psychotherapy on TV...this country has no hope !
@simi,
' we should have arranged some programmes for the awareness about ISLAM via QURAN n PROPHETS (P.B.U.H) life.'
i wish you read the above in your language first.
I would love to see such protests by Kashmiri muslims.
15 less is 15 better.
funny, no indian muslims have protested..........
Pakistan will be another Somalia in a decade or so if the country does not come to its senses....Anyways well done Pakistan for today ..you made God very proud of you !!! Why dont it is done evry Friday because such stupid movies will be coming for in numbers due to its popularity in a country like Pakistan
Ahmdullilah ! the love for the Prophet has finally borne fruit !..219 injured, 20 dead...15 cars burnt, i church burnt. 10 cinema houses razed, several factories and shops looted....and what not....Finally the US has found a worthy replacement for the DRONES..just one short video and few cartoons will do instead of sending a bomber or a drone at huge expenses alll the way from Atlanta to kill a few Prophet lovers ! I suggest we have monthly Govvernment sopnsored love for prophet festival..and a gib one on Valentines Day..
NON-MOSLEM strategists have faltered on understanding Islam as like one of other contemporary religions recognized by bunch of rituals, tender-stories and volumes of scriptures. Islam is instead a way of life at individual, family, group, state, national and international levels which digs deep into a Moslem's heart, soul, above anything. When Moslems are instigated in such ways they MUST NOT REACT BY VIOLENCE damaging life & property, they should rather introspect themselves whether they are OBEYING SUCH LOVABLE PROPHET or not. Start with the simple unity& brotherhood, why is one Muslim after the blood of another Moslem? GIVE ME ANSWER why are Sunnis, Shias, Ahmadies calling each other Kafirs? Why killing each other? Is it OBEDIENCE? I agree THESE PROTESTS ARE JUST HYPOCRISY OF WE MOSLEMS when we are disunited and inhuman against the advice of the Holy Prophet. BIGGEST TRIBUTE TO PROPHET WOULD BE TO FORGET DIFFERENCES unite, put our house in order. You will be a formidable power, none dare ridicule your values. Enemy laughs at this seemingly impossible idea. But mind you, the advent of Imam mehdi (awaited, disappeared, or already come) must be seriously researched with positive attitude among all these sects Sunnis Shias and Ahmadies, God knows who has got a hidden treasure to offer the suffering ummat. That will be the peaceful end of Satan in our enemies and within us too. Make this tragedy an opportunity of UNITING. No violence, obey prophet, unite and love humanity- should be OUR REACTION.
@Paw: When u have the media like the one in Pakistan and leaders like imran khan then you are in deep trouble!
I heard that the enemies of Islam have created a new weapon!! All they have to do is play it on YouTube or print it in a magazine or newspaper and the world of Islam self destructs. They actually destroy their own cities and then kill themselves. It is ingenious because it only works on Muslim minds, all non Muslims are unaffected. At first I didn't believe it, but now I have seen it work with my own eyes.
14 people killed!! 100% Govt is responsible for these killings. What an immature and foolish idea of becoming part of this strike? Not a single wise person lives in Pakistan now. Foolish Govt and foolish people are ruining their own home. So Sad. Not a sigle person is sincere to Pakistan.
The protest was not meant to burn our own property it was to show that how we love our prophet.... well some people took advantage of this situation and start looting the property.. many atm's were looted and banks were set on fire... the situation became same as that on benazir's death.... these people don't love any one rather they have their personal motives........... They ruined the purpose of the day.... the protest was to be peaceful and even the idea of holiday on friday was even not the good one.
a few more videos before pakistan destroys itself. THEY WON!!
Amazing how one crap of a Movie results in so much of our own distruction
I do not see any reason for ET to provide Live updates.
If this is the expression of love to their profit by Muslims, I wonder how do they express their "PEACE".
Remember Muslims claim day and night that Islam is a religion of PEACE and LOVE.
If this is so then Buddhism should be the religion of HATE and WAR.
With apologies to the peaceful people.
Among the 1.5 Billion I feel you are the only reasonable one.
What happened to your religion? How could a so called great religion get hijacked by the few the stupid, the ignorant? How did you sit by and allow this to happen?
Mr prime minister , I think we have not protested enough peacefully , how about another week off to celebrate your love for the prophet ?
Looks like Jehadis team is bowling now. What is the Shuhada score now?
Is this Part 2 of "innocence of Muslims" flim for Pakistani Muslims?
@Asim Ali who writes "Welcome to the stone age!"
If my son asks me to show him the museum of natural history, I will take him to Pakistan. Traveling to Pakistan from Bangalore is cheaper than traveling to New York.
And both the museum of natural history and Pakistan houses cavemen.
@Sana Ali: The reaction is not what Islam teaches?? Have you not been listening to the scholars of Islam who have been leading the arsonists and rioters?
No Pakistani Muslim needs an enemy; he has one within himself!
These people represent the scum of Pakistan.
Islam is a religion of piece, But it is irrelevant. Do we need a holiday to destroy public property and innocent people being killed.
This begs for a question - Is Islam a peaceful religion? This is what our rasool (PBUH) taught us? Where is all the tolerance gone? if we do not follow what He taught us then we are insulting Him.
@sam: True. I am also astonished. FBI & RAW should investigate.
Is it any surprise that the protests and associated wanton destruction is gaining momentum in Pakistan when it is starting to subside in the rest of the world? Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Jordan and other 'original' muslim countries people know better to raise their objection peacefully and then move on with their lives. Only in this wretched country are the people acting like thekedars of islam and causing a civic emergency. The readers on this board seem to understand the irony of the situation, but it does not look like they constitute the ones on the street rioting like animals. Agreed that all this violence is against Islam and the Prophet's message, even if people dont understand that, cant they see that they are shooting themselves in the foot by destroying their own neighborhoods?
The PPP has not helped matters by declaring Friday as a public protest day. I have never seen a ruling party call for a strike. This is an open (and official) invitation for malafide elements to bring death and destruction on innocent civilians.
Is there no shame left?
Were there any instances of Indian flags being burnt?
Not sure why we have to work so hard to convince the rest of world that it truly is a Religion of Peace. It is so self evident.
Welcome to the stone age!
@sam: I can's stop laughing ......... good one
This is just insane, destroying property and killing own people while the enemies of Pakistan are smiling.
What is it with us Muslims when some thugs from other countries say, write or make a film about our prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in a negative way , we go on rampage and killing and destroying our own country. Degrading our prophet by non believers will never degrade our prophet because we have the respect and love for him in our hearts. WE CAN NOT REFORM THE WHOLE WORLD, these people bate us and we fall for it, it is as simple as that. There were people who were hostile to our prophet in his life time but he always forgave them for their hate and excesses, this is the lesson he taught us and we should follow his path. Can this criminal, and he is a criminal in true sense, cause any disrespect for our prophet in our hears by making some stupid hateful film , I SAY NEVER. Please please don't fall for their traps and just ignore these criminals, they don't represent the whole Christian community in the US, just like Osama bin Laden does not represent all of us.
I am going to invest in Pakistan by building establishment that makes American and Israeli flags and importing worn up old tires from other countries.
I am tired of stating this again and again that Islam is peaceful. Its not any more. Everyone in the world sees Islam as violent thanks to Pakistanis in particular.
The worst violence took place in Pakistan in terms of life and financial loss. And the irony is that educated people on social networks consider it their pride.
I am ashamed to be associated with Pakistan and Islam.
US Government already purchase the time on all Pakistani TV few days before. Read the link of Australian Newspaper
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/muslim-world-ignites-again/story-e6frg6so-1226479158753
Riots launched by US agents and Immediate after the riots, Pakistani Media change its reporting according to Western and Israeli Interest. The Loot scheme launched by agents immediate after the speech of Altaf Hussain at Karachi Press Club.
I don't know what is the army doing? Place a full fledged curfew everywhere, fire on miscreants to curb this lawlessness. Takeover this country as if i care i want to see a lawful place for people of all cast and creed i.e. my country no matter if army comes in power. Not being run by miscreants who roam the streets killing people and looting stuff. What is the army doing to save my country?
Ignorant People, Ignorant Society.....Not a single human is safe in these violent and fragile states.......The picture of donkey's wrap with flag shows that even animals are secure and safe under western flags......
For God sake.....get some sense....taking out domestic frustration on some individual act....These shows the level of ignorance and dark age life while living in an time of enlightenment...
How many followed the path of prophet Mohammad (PBUH)? He always forgive his opponents or even the lady who disgrace him while throwing trash on him.......
Pakistan needs a drastic changes in its system.....
strong text WHERE R THE saudiz ..?
@"Gen Pasha Ret." Man - you have a great sense of humour - could not not stop chuckling at your name!
That's the way to protest. now west will take notice of film
Irresponsible Government: Rather taking responsibility to represent public feelings and emotions at international level in effective way, and cool down the temperature at national level to safeguard the lives and public and private property, Government just become the part of mob, and make the whole country battlefield: looting, plundering, blazing and barter of bullets and stones. It shows political immaturity and on the other hand it reveals how much Ummet is responsible, and what ways they can adopt to safeguard the reverence of Great Messenger of Allah Almighty, Muhammad (PBUH). These matters are directly connected to the level of education, knowledge and awareness that exist in a society at large, and also how much Government is responsible. Same situation was seen in China a few days ago, when Sino-Japan were at loggerheads at islands issues. In China, public were at roads, and in Japan there were no such things.
Announcement of public holiday is an appreciable step of Government.
Only after burning the American Consulate we can prove ourselves better Muslims then the Libyans. I love the way we practice our RELIGION OF PEACE.
The persons indulging in looting, arson, violence are not Muslims, but converted Muslims. They don't have Muslim blood but have mixed Jewish and Muslims blood.
Indeed it is very sad to see the Muslims behaving in this manner we really need some soul searching if we claim that we love our Prophet (pbuh) and claim to be the follower of his sunnah then this behavior shows how misunderstood his sunnah is by us muslims of Pakistan after seeing this kind of violence and destruction for the love Islam and Prophet (pbuh) how many non Muslims will be attracted to become Muslims. We need to remember how Prophet (pbuh) treated a woman who use to through trash in his way when he passing on the street in front of her house and how he prayed for the people of Taif when they physically harmed him. The truth is we are venting our personal disappointments and frustrations through killings & destruction of our own fellow citizens and property thus proving that we are the most ignorant people. May Allah (SWT) guide to the right path. Ameen
How abt filing blasphemy laws against police and paramilitary forces who refuse to burn buildings to express dissent on the film on Prophet Mohammed ???
@Solomon2: It's the economy.
Wreck the economy, prepare the masses to be manipulated easily.
Neo-Nazis Now Third Most Popular Party in Greece. It took just three years of economic collapse to revolutionize Greek politics.
Same way Hitler came into power, thanks to British wrecking the German economy and currency attacks.
People with empty stomachs will grab any handrails given to them.
Just imagine how a sensible Pakistani must be feeling today. On one side he sees his countrymen acting foolish and on the other side he believes all outsiders thinking he is pakistani so must be a terrorist too.
Sorry to say but the way the day was commemorated today, it deserves to be named as ishq e abujehal day instead of ishq e rasool day
Islam means peace and we are not promoting this message as a muslim.
Enough with all this jabber here, religion teaches tolerance, peace and harmony; nationalism teaches this and that; and blah blah blah. The thing is whenever such events occur, most of us come forward and say, hey look we are a tolerant nation and peace loving nation, this is just happening because of some crazies and lunatics. And then we have every possible argument to show that we are a "good nation". But still such things continue to happen. If we are taught to stay all good, tolerant and peaceful, then why things like this continue to happen more and more? Why goodness fails to spread here in the face evil despite all good teachings, moral values and ethics? It’s about the root cause. When you breed hate, intolerance, evilness and utter hypocrisy among young generation, then things like this are inevitable. Continue with the innocent and good arguments; ignore the root cause, and these things will continue to happen with more intensity. Every such event comes back with more negativity and evilness.
@Nadir: XD
Your leaders share blame in this tragedy. Not one of them (political, religious or military) had the guts to stand up and say that this violence against the USA was unwarranted. In fact your govt declared a holiday so people could essentially riot. Shame on them and shame on the protestors. Once again you have proved that your poor international ranking is well deserved.
i could not understand the whole day what these protesters were trying to prove... Had there been an announcement of Mehfila_e-Milad across the country, the idea of yom-e- ishq-e-Rasool (P.B.U.H) would have brought great reward.
It's just too over acting!
No Protest rallies in Saudi Arabia?
Considering the actions of these protesters, it feels like they are celebrating "Ishq-e-Iblis" day.
What was this PM thinking ? Declaring Friday a public holiday when public is agitated is asking for trouble. 11 people killed including 2 policemen... someone should file an FIR against PM and interior minister for letting this happen.
Only 10 dead? I was expecting an explosive reaction from the people. Pun intended.
Which of the protests PML-N is leading? The one in Islamabad or the one in Lahore or both?
http://tribune.com.pk/story/440134/youm-e-ishq-e-rasool-pml-n-to-hold-rally-against-anti-islam-film-today/
Are we almost through? Then we can prepare the bill. Government called for this day of protest. I reckon they know their own people so they must have estimated the number that would die, the damage to property that would be done and the lost production. Tomorrow government will announce with grace PKRs 500,000.= for the relatives of the dead, PKRs 50,000.= for the injured, business can take care of themselves (balance of unpaid tax). Nothing will be paid and Monday is business as usual, sectarian violence etc. What a day.
@Abdullah "The enemies of Islam will be happy to see us fighting and pillaging each other….."
It is us who are the the enemies of Islam. We are burning our country to the ground by our own free-will. We chose to get angry and go crazy.
Wow, this is quite a holiday! What a joy it must be to torch the vehicles and shops in one's own neighborhood!
What are the people protesting, exactly? A film made 12,000 miles away or the frustrations they experience living in Pakistan?
Salute to the brave police officers who have lost their lives protecting. Countless, police officers have lost their lives this year protecting the common citizen in karachi and arounf the country. Why isnt there any sympathy or outrage shown by the posters? If one army soldier loses its life or fighter pilot loses life during even a training flight , all the army-hangers-on or chamchas be will posting "shaheed" this and that! Aren't police officers "shaheed" too?
All over the world including CNN & BBC the headline news is of Pakistan burning down their properties & protesting with violence. They are unable to understand about our thinking process. Sadly, I am ashamed to be associated with Pakistan!
For a country that has mainstream media , judiciary, ulema, intellectuals , people and leaders like the ones Pakistan has , I'm not surprised at all to see the violence! . It's end time for Pakistan!
Brilliant, in the middle of last week I was wondering why Libya and Sudan were in the news for protests and we were not.
Well done team, we have taken the laurels this week and propelled ourselves to the front of the line in such a key economic and social indicator.
And don't forget, keep telling people in the world that Islam means peace.
No one said its a day to love anyone, that was an excuse. Its a day to burn what you can ruin your reputation in the world even more. Failed state sequence almost completed. Thank you Pakistani people, you have burned the country so many great people built for you. No other population can match you in arrogance and ignorance. Thank you for dragging me down along with you.
It should be called "National Loot & Rioting Day". Look at the mob's actions, is that how they can save the honor of Prophet (SAWW)?
I wanted to point out this one fact. Most of Pakistan's population is youngsters, most of these protesters are youngsters. Crazy thing is that the word 'porn' is searched through Google the most frequently in Pakistan. And now all of a sudden they are protesting?
This is just a drama to show their 'love' for religion. You know, I know and everyone else does how 'religious' these people really are. Their logic is, don't want study/ work today, lets go protest and destroy property.
There are no protests by Pakistanis! These are RAW-CIA-Mossad puppets trying to defame Pakistan!
I have an easy question. How can we fix Pakistan and Pakistanis?
@Kaleem
Then go out and protest buddy instead of sitting here and pontificating abt situation.
@Visibly Invisible
and your point is? Rioting and looting is bad, but seriously did u think things will be different? I mean seriously, who wasn't expecting this? Im just surprised it took so long.
@Sara
and you expected something different, how unconnected are ET readers? Do pakistanis ever protest anything peacefully? Or you are angry just because they still care about Prophet?
Its working!!, so lets make few more videos and Pakistan will destroy itself :)..lol
Do you guys feel the LOVE? Haan? Do you?
"There is no sign of police in the Aabpara area of Rawalpindi" Come on Aabpara is in Islmabad G-6 Sector , not in Rawalpindi.
you people always showing negative news..just for of money.always negative acts of muslims..today we protested agians that movie ,against america..protest was totally peaceful..but there were no media,no news reporters .. there were more then 4 hundreds protesters..all the students of quaid e azam university ..i have videos and pics ..yu can see there was peaceful environment..but media do not show peaceful protest they just shows destruction, violence etc just for sake of money ..shame on this kind of media..
Cool! Burn your country to ashes!
@sam: @bilaloqabi: Simple people gave orders to make american flags that could be burn in protests.
This reaction is certainly NOT what Islam teaches us, and most certainly NOT what the Prophet (SAWS) himself would have done or taught. What good will burning tyres and shops and killing your own people possibly bring??
"(Muslims) are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say 'Peace'" (Quran 25:63)"And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: 'To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.'" (Quran 28:55)
It is clear that the people causing these riots might be paid actors being used plainly to cause disruption and chaos in the country. A true Muslim knows that this is not the way to react. May Allah Guide our nation. Ameen.
@bilaloqabi @Gratgy: It should be a global annual Day as International 4th September International Hijab Day.
I agree but hope other countries celebrate it differently
Clearly they haven't seen Obama & Hillary's infomercial :)
good work mullas.......................you are destroying a nation
Mad country and mad people. What a way to vent out your feelings. Poking your own eyes and banging your own head. Why cant the people insist that Pak govt take concrete fast steps to address their grievances thru UN or OIC or some international fora.
@Afzaal Khan: Explain it to yourself how burning property (in this case Pakistani and predominately muslim property) gonna solve anything.
After seeing these kids I am sure the light at the of tunnel is a train
@Afzaal khan. Kaleem is right. Why don't u go out with ur family in this situation. This is no way to show love! This is anarchy and is very sad. The people who made the video must be laughing at us.
@Gratgy: Perhaps it will depend upon the frequency of hateful videos being uploaded on youtube. It might be held quarterly or even fortnightly!!!
by the way, I was wondering how the love was expressed throughout the day from morning till evening - with burning tires ,sticks in hand and jammed mobiles!!!! Amazing......
Is Ishq-e-Rasool day going to be an annual event?
The children seem to be having a party destroying other people's property! They seem to have REALLY nice parents who let them enjoy at the expense of others.
@Kaleem
Don't like it stay at home no one asking you to come out.
More we get provoked and burn and kill our own people,more crude cartoons and films will appear. We have provided them enough evidence that we are easily excitable people and we are ever ready to get provoked and self destruct! Expect more.Watch the space.
Just great. While the world is going forward with its scientific and industrial achievements, Pakistan is falling deep in the pit of religious fanaticism. We literally live in a 1400 year old society.
Only Foreign Office can summon I think.
where do u see love in this PIC and also on tv screens ?? If anybody can define real LOVE.
Youm-e-Ishq-e-Rasool (pbuh) [love of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Day]
The above photo speaks for itself the islamic consciousness of love for their beloved Rasool........
why no one is talking about french magazine that published new cartoons of the holy prophet yesterday ? why just "amreka murdabad" ? may be "molanas" don't read news on internet. wesay , if the title of the cartoons were Taliban then i would not mind it. It has nothing to do with the holy prophet Mohammad p.b.u.h. he was the best man on earth.
"The building of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been set ablaze by protesters"
With credit to another commentator from ET, I will copy his/her sentiment:
"Somebody insulted me today. I am going to go home and burn it down. Now, someone will think twice about insulting me."
Another very famous one: I am going to negotiate with a loaded gun to my head and fingre on the trigger. ..Peace
What does all this have to do with loving the prophet?
Is this the way our religion teaches us to protest? , by burning and rioting?
Happy Ishq-e-Rasool day to all fellow tribune readers!
i wonder who makes the american flag in Pakistan?
As society, We are playing with fire. There was no justification for national holiday today and all protests could have been peaceful, no mobile jams, vehicles and shops burning. As a whole, the society is leaning towards extreme thoughts. We should love Prophet(SAW) but destroying shops, vehicles will only hurt us, not US.