JI Stages Massive Gaza March in Karachi to Mark Third Anniversary of October 7
The Jamaat-i-Islami on Sunday staged a massive rally in Karachi in support of the people of Gaza, marking the third anniversary of Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and condemning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The JI Gaza march was held on Shahrah-i-Quaideen, one of Karachi’s key arteries, where men and women gathered in large numbers along both tracks of the road, stretching from Allah Wala Chowrangi towards Noorani Kabab.
The highlight of the event was the participation of Dr Muhammad Yousuf Al-Subki, the grand mufti of Gaza.
What Hafiz Naeem said at the JI Gaza march
Speaking at the rally, JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said Karachi had once again demonstrated solidarity with the people of Gaza despite the city’s own economic and social challenges.
He strongly criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and accused the United States and other Western powers of backing Israel. He called on Muslim countries to take a more active role in protecting Palestinians and urged greater unity among Muslim states.
Rehman urged the inclusion of more Muslim countries, including Bangladesh and Qatar, in regional defence arrangements, saying such cooperation should also address the protection of Palestinians.
“The issue of Palestine should not be viewed through sectarian or geographical divisions,” he said.
Referring to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, he described it as a turning point that, in his view, challenged Israel’s military dominance. He praised the Palestinian resistance and said the people of Gaza had continued to stand by Hamas during the conflict.
The JI leader also rejected the US designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation, saying his party viewed the group differently. He described Hamas as a political and democratic organisation and credited it with playing a role in ceasefire negotiations.
He accused Israel of violating ceasefire arrangements and said attacks on Palestinians had continued despite the truce. He also criticised Muslim governments for what he described as inaction over the Gaza crisis.
JI’s message on Pakistan’s foreign policy
On Pakistan’s foreign policy, Rehman said the federal government should follow the position associated with the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on Palestine. He reiterated his party’s opposition to recognising Israel and called for continued support for the Palestinian cause.
He also linked the Palestine campaign with the party’s domestic agitation against what he called the “petroleum levy / bhatta tax” and rising inflation.
The rally came as the Gaza conflict completed three years. Israel’s campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including children, according to health authorities in the territory.
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Frequently asked questions
What was the JI Gaza march in Karachi?
The Jamaat-i-Islami organised a ‘Gaza March’ on Sunday on Karachi’s Shahrah-i-Quaideen to mark three years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and to express solidarity with Palestinians. Large crowds of men and women filled both tracks of the road.
Who attended the rally?
The highlight was the participation of Dr Muhammad Yousuf Al-Subki, the grand mufti of Gaza. JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman addressed the gathering.
What did Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demand?
He called for greater unity among Muslim states, a more active role for Muslim countries in protecting Palestinians, the inclusion of countries like Bangladesh and Qatar in regional defence arrangements, and continued Pakistani support for the Palestinian cause without recognising Israel.
Did the rally touch on domestic issues?
Yes. Rehman linked the Palestine campaign with the JI’s domestic agitation against the petroleum levy, which he termed a “bhatta tax”, and rising inflation.
