A large number of people participated in the central Youm-e-Quds rally in Islamabad on Friday.
The participants renewed their support for the Palestinian cause, condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, and called for the liberation of Bait-ul-Muqaddas (Jerusalem).
The event was jointly organised by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, Shia Ulema Council, and Tehreek-e-Bedari-e-Ummat.
The rally was held as part of the annual observance of Youm-e-Quds, a day introduced by Imam Khomeini to express solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and to highlight the struggle for the freedom of Jerusalem.
The central procession formally began in the federal capital amid strict security arrangements, with authorities deploying additional police personnel, placing containers around the central imambargah Asna Ashari, and closing routes in surrounding areas.
The rally saw participation from a wide range of religious and student organisations, including Shia Ulema Council, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), Imamia Students Organization (ISO), Tehreek-e-Bedari-e-Ummat, Jafaria Students, and other groups.
A significant number of workers, supporters, and members of the public joined the procession, making it one of the major Youm-e-Quds gatherings in the capital.
Addressing the rally, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said Youm-e-Quds is a day to express solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians and to show hatred for the oppressor.
He asserted that if any country was standing with the Palestinian people in practical terms, it was Iran.
He warned that anyone supporting former US President Donald Trump or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in any way would be considered guilty in the eyes of the Palestinian people.
He further declared that the liberation of Quds and the downfall of Israel and the United States were drawing near.
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas also paid tribute to Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, saying he had consistently raised his voice for the dignity of the Muslim Ummah, the oppressed people of Palestine, and the cause of Jerusalem’s liberation.
Speaking on the occasion, Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi said the participants wanted to send a clear message to the world that their path was the path of Karbala and that they could not remain silent in the face of oppression.
He criticised what he described as attempts by the authorities to restrict the rally, saying rulers believed they could block their way by placing containers on roads, but stressed that the demonstrators were peaceful, civilised and patriotic citizens.
Addressing the Palestinian people directly, he said that on Youm-e-Quds, Pakistanis were sending a message to the oppressed people of Palestine that their blood would not be forgotten.
He added that this resolve was inspired by the lessons of Karbala, and urged Pakistan’s rulers to “come to their senses.”
The speakers and participants strongly condemned what they termed Israeli aggression against Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, while the crowd raised slogans in support of the Palestinian people, the liberation of Jerusalem, and resistance against oppression.
Massive protests were reported across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Youm-e-Quds and Jumat-ul-Wida, as thousands of Kashmiris poured onto the streets after Friday prayers to express solidarity with Palestine and Iran, despite strict restrictions imposed by Indian authorities.
According to Kashmir Media Service (KMS), demonstrations were held in several areas, including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Pulwama, where large crowds gathered after congregational prayers and raised slogans against Israeli aggression and in support of the Palestinian people and Iran.
The participants said that Kashmiris stand firmly with Palestine and Iran and rejected what they described as India’s pro-Israel policies.
Protesters condemned Israeli military actions and voiced anger over the reported US attack on Iran, with demonstrations said to have continued in the occupied territory since the escalation began.
