ISLAMABAD, Jan 17: A rally of a hundred or so students from elite educational institutions of the twin cities and suburbs gathered outside the Parliament waving Palestinian flags, chanting anti-Israel slogans and calling for an immediate end to atrocities in Gaza and hostilities in the Middle East.

The rally was organised by the Pakistan Youth Initiative (PYI), an independent student body with members from various universities across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

They marched on the capital’s main Jinnah Avenue, holding banners and chanting slogans against what they called Israeli genocide of Palestinians.

“It’s a blatant act of aggression against innocent women and children,” said angry Sonia Aftab while her class mate seconded by adding, “there is not a single atom of progressive content in what is happening in Gaza.”

The students converged on the Blue Area and marched towards the barricade in front of the Parliament House where they staged a sit-in.

Carrying placards inscribed with messages like “Gaza will not fall”, “Stop massacre”, “UN useless”, “Damn Israel”, and “Shame on world leaders” they raised slogans against indifferent attitude of Muslim countries.

“We are out in the streets because we care. Israel is killing human beings, innocent men women and children, not just Muslims”, remarked Zainul Abideen Anjum and Ibrahim Haq.

Jawad Jaffari from Roots College International said: “Israel has gone mad with all that power. And like fools we look up to America who has done nothing to save lives of innocent people being massacred.”

Another activist had come all the way from the High-tech University, Taxila, specially to be part of the protest said, “its genocide. They are out to destroy the Muslims.”

The peaceful but powerful gathering remained throughout the demonstration for nearly three hours.

Despite the impressive turn out, one of the main organizers, Ali Haider expected a bigger response. “How do we bring about a change if the youth of Pakistan does not realise its responsibilities and take to the streets?” he said as the rally roared around him. “I think everyone should get involved in some kind of activism to make a difference”, Haider said.

For several of the conscientious objectors, it was their first “anti-war” demonstration. At the demo, they seemed to have found their voices, asserted their values and imagined a new peaceful world.

“It is exciting -– gave me a sense of comfort and courage to be among others who share the same beliefs,” said another protestor.

“Their social status has given them the exposure to be primary recipients of latest information. They can make a difference. It is always nice to see that this most informed section of our young people are not dead and their Muslim identities are alive and that they have a cause to stand up for,” said a supporter.

“Many may criticize or vilify our efforts but someone has to speak up, someone has to take action” so were the words of Mr Ali Rizvi, a student who led the demonstration denouncing the Israeli savagery.

Mr Rizvi along with Haya Hamid, Azam Ali, Salman Zaidi, Aliya Amir Ali and Tayyab Rafi have in their own words, formed the PYI because they felt people, especially the youth were apathetic towards the Palestinian cause and they through their efforts wanted to give this plight voice.

The students that participated were from Quaid-i-Azam University, NUST, St. Mary’s, ELES, ICAS, Comsats and the City School. This Initiative also sought to gather donations for the Gazans and was hoping that this would be positively received.

About the formation and purpose of the initiative Mr Rizvi said, while setting out to organise this rally and gather support for the initiative, the students were beset with obstacles and ill will.