Islamabad: Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, announced that a grand Million March will be held in Islamabad on April 20 to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman made these remarks during a press conference at the Jamaat-e-Islami office in Melody, Islamabad on Tuesday. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman was accompanied by Jamaat-e-Islami leaders including JI Deputy Chief Mian Muhammad Aslam, JI Khyber Pakhtunkha South Emir Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Emir JI Northern Punjab Dr. Tariq Saleem, Central KP Emir Abdul Wassey, Islamabad Emir Engineer Nasrullah Randhawa, Rawalpindi Emir Arif Shirazi, Haleem Bacha, and others.
He questioned why protests can be held in front of the White House, but not outside the US Embassy in Islamabad. He further declared that on April 22, a nationwide strike will be observed across Pakistan to support Palestinians and protest against Israel.
He stated, 'We will not allow the blood of Palestinians to be traded. If we help the Palestinians, Allah will help us. If we abandon the protest, it will benefit the pro-Israel forces.'
He said, 'On April 20, the largest Million March in the country's history will take place in Islamabad. People are rising in support of Gaza and expressing hatred for Israel and its backer, the US, he said and added some beg the US for power, but the US and Israel themselves are responsible for this wave of hatred. He said in Gaza, genocide is being committed-Israel is deliberately targeting and killing children. They are a brutal enemy, fond of bloodshed and bombing unarmed civilians, with full US support.'
He added, 'Hamas is using its legal right to resist the occupying forces. Telling Hamas to surrender is unacceptable and will never happen.' He stressed that everyone should stand in support of Palestine and condemn the US and Israel. 'Netanyahu keeps saying that his goals aren't limited to Gaza-his intentions are much more dangerous. Muslim rulers must come forward. Israel has been empowered by the US and certain Muslim governments. After losing in war, Israel is now targeting children. Pakistan must take a leading role and plan even on a military level; otherwise, everyone will eventually be affected.'
He further stated that public participation in pro-Palestinian Million Marches is increasing. 'It is our duty as Muslims and as human beings to stand for Gaza. Everyone is invited to join. People from KP and Northern Punjab will also participate. We will march from Aabpara to the US Embassy. We are peaceful and urge the government not to obstruct us. If protests can take place in front of the White House, why not in front of the US Embassy in Islamabad?'
He added that a march will also be held in Multan on April 18, with people from South Punjab joining in. 'The Million March in Karachi broke all records. The boycott campaign should also continue.'
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman emphasized, 'We know exactly which Israeli products to boycott. There are now local alternatives available in Pakistan. Traders must also refrain from profiteering-this is their chance to strengthen local brands. The boycott campaign must continue effectively.'
'We are in contact with human rights organizations around the world, trying to ensure that the strike on the 22nd becomes a global event. Pressure must be increased on the US to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza. The rulers must stop fearing the US. The US is not God-it has faced defeat wherever it has gone.'
He questioned, 'Why are major political parties in Pakistan silent on condemning the US? What action has the government taken against Pakistanis who traveled to Israel? We need to know. The government should act against them.'
He said Allama Iqbal, who said 96 years ago that Palestinians were being slaughtered like sheep. 'In the West Bank, Israel has displaced 100,000 people-where Hamas doesn't even govern. Children should be taught about the creation of Israel. Pakistan never accepted Israel, neither before nor after its formation. Anyone who deviates from this policy will be rejected.'
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman concluded, 'If we help the Palestinians, Allah will help us. If we stop protesting, it will aid pro-Israel forces. We've used all available channels to deliver aid to Gaza. Most of the aid sent by the government was actually from Alkhidmat and Jamaat-e-Islami. Genocide is happening in Gaza. The boycott must continue.'