KARACHI: While a large number of citizens, including women and children, marched from M.A. Jinnah Road to the US Consulate General to condemn the Israeli atrocities in Gaza and US support for the Zionist state’s barbarism, members of the Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities were among the participants who held a candlelit vigil outside Governor House on Sunday for the oppressed Palestinians.

However, police stopped the participants in the march, organised by the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, at some distance from the US Consulate.

Carrying placards and banners and chanting slogans to show solidarity with people of Palestine, the protesters began their march from Numaish traffic intersection and took M.A. Jinnah Road to pass through Jama Cloth Market, Boultan Market, Memon Majid to reach Tower.

Later, the participants in the march moved towards M.T. Khan Road, where the US Consulate General is located.

Tight security arrangements were put in place with heavy contingent of police and law enforcement deployed on the road. Containers were also placed on the main road leading to the consulate.

The marchers at some distance from the US Consulate staged a sit-in which was addressed by different leaders.

Due to the blocked road and the rally, vehicles were diverted to alternative routes causing traffic jam on adjoining streets.

Addressing the participants, senior MWM leader Allama Hassan Zafar Naqvi said the so-called civilised western countries were defending Israeli brutalities in Palestine.

“We ask them what has compelled you to support this barbarism? Why your lips are sealed and eyes are closed? Women, and children and innocent civilians are being killed in Gaza, but you are saying nothing.”

Leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Jamaat-i-Islami, Shia Ulema Council and Palestine Foundation also participated in the march and addressed the rally.

Speaking to protesters, they condemned the Israeli aggression and urged the UN to take action against the Zionist state.

They called upon Muslim countries to forget their internal disputes at this juncture and come forward to support Palestine.

Candlelit vigil

A candlelit vigil for the oppressed Palestinians was organised by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori outside the Gate No1 of Governor House on Sunday.

People from all walks of life, members of civil society, media representatives attended the event.

Members of Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities also participated in the event.

They expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian brothers facing brutal attacks of Israeli forces.

The stage made at Governor House was decorated with Palestine flags and banners.

Addressing on the occasion, the governor said that he was thankful to the people who gathered there to show support for Palestinians.

He said he would go to Egypt with humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.

“I will express my concerns against the atrocities of Israeli forces without a fear of anyone as I feel it is my duty as a Muslim,” he added.

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2023