RAWALPINDI: The central leadership of the Difa-i-Pakistan Council (DPC) has announced a nationwide movement for the liberation of Kashmir and Palestine, and to protect the honour of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the sanctity of Khatm-i-Nabuwat.

Speaking at the DPC’s Tuhaffaz-i-Baitul Muqaddas Conference in Liaquat Bagh, the leadership of the council said public gatherings and events would be organised across the country to bring the nation onto the same page on these issues, to stand united against the contrives of internal and external enemies.

The leaders of various religio-political parties called on the prime minister to call an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation conference in Pakistan, and to hold a sit-in along with his cabinet in the United Nations Security Council in support of Kashmiris’ and Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) Emir Hafiz Mohammad Saeed delivered the Friday sermon at the conference, which was attended by thousands of people.

Volunteers from the JuD managed traffic, parking and other arrangements. Special arrangements were made at the event for women, and temporary washroom and ablution arrangements were also made for the Friday sermon.

DPC Chairman Maulana Samiul Haq said at the conference that the platform of the council was “beyond any political attachment”. He said the struggle for the liberation of Kashmir and Palestine, and for the stability of Pakistan, would continue.

“We have to unite to defend Islam and Pakistan. The DPC platform is beyond any political attachment. The power of jihad destroyed the Soviet Union and Nato,” he said.

Mr Haq announced that large gatherings will be held in Peshawar, Faisalabad, Lahore and Multan on Jan 7, 12, 13 and Jan 21, respectively. “A big public gathering will be arranged in Muzaffarabad on Feb 5 to express solidarity with Kashmiris,” he added.

Mr Saeed said India and Israel had formed a coalition that had the US as a patron. Calling Baitul Muqaddas the heart of the Islamic world, he said: “Trump has not only ignited war against Palestine, but also Islam. The US should abstain from wars. The US is on the brink of its own destruction. The supremacy of the US will be buried in Jerusalem.”

Mr Saeed asked the prime minister and his cabinet to call an Islamic summit conference in Pakistan on the Baitul Muqaddas issue. At this conference, he said, Pakistan should announce that it did not accept the US’ decision, and that the US should reverse its order. “Pakistan should expand its diplomacy on the issues of Baitul Muqaddas.”

He also vowed to launch a movement to defend Khatm-i-Nabuwat and the sanctity of Prophet Muhammad. He also said: “Thousands of Kashmiris have made sacrifices for Pakistan. The Kashmiri freedom movement is at its peak.”

Palestinian Ambassador Walid Abu Ali thanked Pakistan for their attachment to Palestine.

“Pakistan is the supporter of Islam and Muslims. With Pakistan’s tremendous support to Palestine’s cause, we do not feel alone. We have to ensure freedom and security of Masjid Al-Aqsa.”

Awami Muslim League President Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the US-India alliance was a threat to Pakistan. “Muslims were silent when Iraq, Libya and Syria were suffering. Now, the enemy is moving towards Qibla Awwal.”

Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan President Sahibzada Abul Khair Zubair said: “Pakistan should play a vital role for the cause of Palestine and Jerusalem,” He also paid tribute to the army for saying “no more” to America.

Jamaat-i-Islami Secretary General Liaquat Baloch said the UN General Assembly had rejected the US’ announcement, and should not be silent over India’s actions in Kashmir.

PML-Q Senior Vice President Ajmal Khan Wazir said Pakistanis stood with their Palestinian brethren and there could be no compromise on the Al-Quds issue.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2017