ISLAMABAD — Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has reaffirmed support for the Palestinian resistance group Hamas during a Gaza solidarity rally held in the capital.
Speaking at the event, Naeem urged the Pakistani government to allow the establishment of a Hamas office in Pakistan, emphasizing unwavering support for Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Call for National Unity on Palestine and Kashmir
During his address at the “Gaza March,” Hafiz Naeem appealed to both government and opposition parties to rise above their differences and unite in support of Palestine and Kashmir, issues he called “central to the Muslim world.”
He announced a nationwide strike scheduled for April 26, with more protest strategies to be disclosed on April 27. The rally saw thousands of JI supporters gather near the I-8 bridge on Islamabad Highway after negotiations with authorities allowed the protest to proceed there.
Criticism of Ruling Class and the United States
Naeem harshly criticized Pakistan’s ruling elite, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the Palestinian cause and lacking the courage to challenge U.S. and Israeli interests. He condemned the U.S. as a “murderous country” and criticized Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, stressing the role of American support in sustaining it.
He also warned the Pakistani leadership not to normalize ties with Israel, stating, “Palestinians are looking to the Muslim Ummah for support, and we must stand with them.”
Condemnation of Mainstream Parties and Online Boycott Call
The JI leader accused political rivals PTI and PML-N of forming opportunistic alliances, ignoring core national and religious issues. He urged Pakistanis to boycott Israeli products and take to online activism, as the state has restricted physical protests.
Heavy Security Presence and Peaceful End
Despite a security lockdown around Islamabad’s Red Zone, including Faizabad and Zero Point, the rally remained peaceful. The crowd dispersed calmly following Hafiz Naeem’s speech.
