Thousands rally in Lahore and Karachi to express solidarity with Palestinians

Published December 17, 2017
JI supporters chant slogans at an anti-American rally in Karachi. —AP
JI supporters chant slogans at an anti-American rally in Karachi. —AP

Thousands of protesters rallied in Lahore and Karachi on Sunday to condemn US President Donald Trump for declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel's.

In Karachi, the march was organised by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to express solidarity with Palestinians against the United States' decision; while in Lahore the anti-American rally was organised by Defence of Pakistan Council (DPC) under the leadership of Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) leader Hafiz Saeed.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life participated in the march in Karachi where the participants carrying placards and banners chanted slogans against the US decision.

JuD chief Hafiz Saeed addresses an anti-US rally in Lahore. —AFP
JuD chief Hafiz Saeed addresses an anti-US rally in Lahore. —AFP

JI chief Sirajul Haq called on all Muslim nations to suspend diplomatic ties with the US until it reconsiders its Jerusalem decision.

"Our struggle would continue till the withdrawal of the US decision," the JI chief said.

Meanwhile, Hafiz Saeed said Muslims should put aside any differences and unite around the cause of “liberating” Jerusalem.

The participants of the respective rallies dispersed peacefully after rallying for the Palestinian cause.

Protests have persisted in the country since Trump's announcement angered Muslims across the world.

Islamabad has reiterated its support for the Palestinians, who claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their hoped-for state.

Supporter of religious parties chant slogans during a rally against the US in Lahore. —AP
Supporter of religious parties chant slogans during a rally against the US in Lahore. —AP

Opinion

Editorial

Diplomatic resolve
Updated 30 May, 2026

Diplomatic resolve

Iran, too, must engage seriously and provide credible assurances about its nuclear programme if it wants sanctions relief and a more stable relationship with the outside world.
Weaponising water
30 May, 2026

Weaponising water

CLIMATE Minister Musadik Malik’s warning against what he described as “water aggression” indicates ...
Rabies toll
30 May, 2026

Rabies toll

EVERY year, rabies, the deadliest zoonotic disease, kills more than 59,000 people worldwide. In Pakistan, it is one...
Pressure politics
Updated 28 May, 2026

Pressure politics

The attempt to connect the Iran conflict with the Abraham Accords makes little sense.
Eid’s true spirit
Updated 27 May, 2026

Eid’s true spirit

Pakistan celebrates Eid while grappling with economic strain that continues to weigh heavily on ordinary households.
Cotton crisis
Updated 29 May, 2026

Cotton crisis

We need a coherent long-term cotton strategy or else, Pakistan might lose a key pillar of its export economy.