RAWALPINDI: Like other parts of the country, Tehreek Nifaz Fiqa Jafariya (TNFJ) staged a protest on Monday in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad demanding reconstruction of Janaatul Baqi graveyard.

In Rawalpindi, the rally was held from Nasir-ul-Aza to Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussein. In Islamabad, a massive rally from Darbar Sakhi Mahmood Badshah passed Srinagar Highway to Aabpara. The rally was addressed by Allama Basharat Imami and others.

Young volunteers from Mukhtar Generation and Ibrahim Scouts carried banners and models of Jannatul Baqi.

In a special message from TNFJ headquarters, Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqaddasi stated that living nations did not disrespect their benefactors.

“We will not rest until the sanctity of holy sites is restored. The movement to rebuild Janaatul Baqi will continue. Extremism has no relation with Islam. The entire world now admits global powers backed the rise of extremism,” he said. He emphasized that one century ago, a Zionist and British imperialist alliance divided the Muslim world. Extremism has destroyed sacred heritage globally.

The protesters passed the resolutions demanding the government, under the Moosavi-Junejo Agreement, immediately send a diplomatic mission to Mecca and Medina to initiate global efforts for shrines reconstruction.

They vowed to protect TNFJ’s identity from false claims of banned outfits and to continue striving for the sacred goals of the movement. Prayers were offered for the success of oppressed people worldwide, including Palestine, Gaza, and Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2025