Though Jamaat-e-Islami’s rally on Sunday against the anti-Islam film was devoid of the violence that swept through the city during riots on Ishq-e-Rasool Day, the anger of the party’s activists towards the movie was still evident.
The party’s activists, equipped with placards and banners, gathered at Numaish Chowrangi and later marched towards Tibet Centre. JI’s Sindh chief, Asadullah Bhutto, said, “[The US] has to ban the movie and teach its citizens to respect all religions.” He added that the Pakistan government should push for international laws against blasphemy.
As Bhutto continued, however, a group of young boys with yellow head-bands that read “Allah-o-Akbar” (God is great), made their way to the front. They set on fire an effigy of the US president, before quietly retreating. The JI leader continued his speech as the act took place in front of him.
JI Karachi chief Mohammad Hussain Mehnati said that the world has yet to differentiate between ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘hate speech’.
The party’s social media cell took great pains to provide a live feed of the procession and send updates via text messages, Twitter and Facebook.
While talking to The Express Tribune, Hasan Hammad, a member of the cell, said, “When the electronic and print media fail to depict the real picture, social media acts as an alternative source for conveying our message.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2012.
COMMENTS (15)
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He added that the Pakistan government should push for international laws against blasphemy. Already there is an international pressure to declare Pakistan a terrorist state. Is it sufficient?
Here is an idea can JI hold in door meeting(not in a mosque because. That is a place for prayers and not for politics) and pass what ever kind of resolution they want. This way there is no disruption to public. Every body will know where JI stands on a given issue. Actually other parties can follow the same stratgey. that is the way it is done in USA
why doesn't the pakistan law ministry sends a team of learned lawyers and law makers to the international court or their chief justice to make and enforce a law which prohibits the blasphemy of ANY religion or Respected figures related to that. May it be Islam Christianity Hinduism Jews or whatever..
Where do these people get the finances for these meetings. I am certain these Mullahs don't donate their time for these accasion. Media exposure or not.
the sole idea is to present JI's political under the garb of emotional religious procession
would JI pass a resolution for the RIGHTS of minorities? Would JI also try to find jobs for these people who came for demonstration?
@ali:
Who cares? Same old same old. Even OIC doesn’t listen to these mullahs.
Every muslim should condemn & protest against illegal film & violent act in the world........ Live for Peace
Poor journalism ET! Atleast get the actual picture of the event!
What about respecting religious rights of Ahmadis, Christians and Hindus at home, even Shiites? Jamat-e-Islami should walk the talk first. JI has no reason to lecture the world. In fact the world is agitated against Muslims becasue of the likes of JI and their creed.
Follow your own desires and not listen to Allah. Typical ignorant Mullahs.
Their idea of Sunday entertainment.
... It's disturbing that such a huge number of people can be so oblivious. It seems like the Pakistani Muslims are the only people on the planet that can't grasp simple concepts. Almost anyone with average intelligence and a little knowledge of how the world outside world works wouldn't think for a second that such a request would ever result in anything. Without even trying to insult, the only explanation is an extremely low level of intelligence.
People who don't have food to eat- SHOULD WORRY ABOUT FOOD TO EAT
Pakistan goverment should announce US visa lottery , I am sure all these people will be busy with paper work. No more disturbance and Pakistan post office make some extra money