Large rallies were staged on Friday across the country in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and to condem Israel’s devastating military campaign in the enclave amid the death toll in the battered territory rising to 50,912.
The Israeli offensive, which began in response to Hamas’ unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians and destroyed much of the housing and hospital infrastructure in the enclave. The death toll is feared to be much higher due to thousands still missing under the rubble.
Israel’s conduct during its offensive has drawn widespread condemnation, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced in January, though it ended with Israel’s resumption of air strikes on Gaza on March 18.
The demonstrations, organised by religiopolitical groups and political parties, saw protesters waving Palestinian flags and holding placards with slogans against Israel.
In Karachi, key throughfares including Nishtar Road, MA Jinnah Road and II Chundrigar Road were all closed for a rally, according to traffic police.
The roads were closed due to “people from a religiopolitical group leading a rally and protesting for the rights of Palestinians”.
A traffic alert from Central Police said that traffic had been diverted to the road coming from Teen Hatti, while another alert said that heavy traffic had been diverted to the tyre lane headed towards Court Road.
South Police said that traffic was being diverted from Shaheen Complex to Pakistan Chowk and from Uni Plaza to New Chali.
Activists protest to express their solidarity with Palestinians in Karachi on April 11. — AFP
The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) held rallies in various areas of the city. Its leaders while addressing the protesters denounced the Israeli atrocities in Gaza and called for the government as well as other Muslim countries to take practical steps to bring them to an end.
The religiopolitical party urged people to boycott Israeli products and goods made in countries that supported it. The JI called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urgent humanitarian support to ensure the safety and protection of Palestinians.
JI Karachi chief Munim Zafar Khan addressed a demonstration at Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Gulshan-e-Iqbal to express solidarity with Gazans and against the ongoing Israeli onslaught.
Meanwhile, outlawed outfit Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) said protest demonstrations were held in important places of various districts of the city including Nagan Chowrangi, Lasbela Chowk Main, Dawood Chowrangi, Islam Chowk Orangi Town, Malir 15, Lee Market Chowk and Mauripur Road.
Citing Palestinian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), ASWJ leaders said in a statement that over two million people had been forcibly displaced and there was no food or water in Gaza for the last 40 days.
Separately, one suspect was apprehended as a mob attempted to attack an outlet of an international fast-food chain in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, according to police.
Gulshan-i-Iqbal Superintendent of Police (SP) Ahmed Iqbal Memon told Dawn.com that some youths tried to attack the outlet near Disco Bakery but the police thwarted the attempt and arrested one suspect.
Gulshan-i-Iqbal Station House Officer Mohammed Naeem Rajput said that five to six teenagers, aged between 16-17 years, arrived at the restaurant but the police forced them to flee. “No case has been registered,” he added.
Lahore
In Lahore, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) arranged a campus walk to express solidarity with Palestinians and condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza, according to a press release.
UVAS Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Muhammad Younus led the walk on the city campus while faculty heads, administrative staff and a large number of students participated, the press release added. The walk started from the VC’s office and culminated in front of the main lawn after taking a round of the City Campus.
“The walk’s participants expressed their anger over what they see as war crimes and human rights violations in the Palestinian territories, which are illegally occupied by Israel,” the press release reads, adding that they chanted slogans condemning Israel’s aggression and carried Palestinian flags and banners.
