PESHAWAR: Rallies were held across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Friday prayers to protest against Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Women from Jamaat-i-Islami organised a Gaza March in the provincial capital. The protesters, including girls, carried symbolic coffins and blood-stained shrouds. During the demonstration, the streets echoed with anti-Israel slogans.

The protesters strongly condemned US President Trump’s “evil plan” to evacuate Gaza. They said in the current situation, not supporting Hamas would be an act of hypocrisy.

The traders’ community also organised a rally in Peshawar’s Khyber Bazaar to protest the Israeli atrocities against Palestinians.

Participants condemn illegal occupation of Palestinian territories

In Lower Dir, JI and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl held separate protest rallies in Timergara and Talash, expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemning the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza.

A large number of party workers and citizens participated in the JI rally, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States.

Meanwhile, JUI-F staged a separate rally in Talash’s main bazaar, where hundreds of party workers gathered after Friday prayers. Marching from various mosques, protesters carried placards and raised slogans against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In Mansehra, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Mohammad Yusuf on Friday announced the federal government and armed forces of Pakistan would become the voice of innocent Palestinians facing Israeli aggression and genocide, raising the issue at every international forum.

“I respect your sentiments, which show your willingness to make sacrifices for your Palestinian Muslim brothers. I assure you that our armed forces, the army chief, and the prime minister will not only raise your voice but also actively support any action taken by the international community,” he said while addressing a protest rally in Balakot.

The rally was organised to condemn Israeli aggression and express solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Meanwhile, rallies were also held across Mansehra, Torghar, Upper and Lower Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas districts.

The protesters expressed solidarity with Palestinians and demanded an immediate halt to what they termed the ongoing genocide of Muslims.

In Shangla, JUI-F workers blocked KKH at Bisham Chowk and staged protest against Israel aggression in Gaza.

A procession was taken through the Bisham Bazaar to express solidarity with Palestinians.

In South Waziristan, Jamaat organised a rally in Wana Bazaar against Israeli aggression in Gaza.

The rally was led by JI district chief Asadullah Wazir.

The march commenced from Aman Chowk and proceeded along the College Road, where participants chanted slogans against Israeli brutality, the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, and the silence of international institutions.

In Battagram, JI, JUI-F and other organisations staged a protest rally against the Israeli forces’ brutal killing of Palestinians, urging world leaders to intervene and stop the bloodshed in Gaza.

The rally proceeded through the main bazaar and Karakoram Highway, culminating at Khatm-i-Nabuwat Chowk, where the participants blocked the KKH and staged a protest.

In Mohmand, JUI-F organised a rally in Mian Mandi Gandao Bazaar against the ongoing Israeli brutality on the people of Palestine.

The rally was led by party’s Mohmand emir Maulana Mohammad Arif Haqqani.

Addressing the participants, Mr Haqqani condemned the Israeli atrocities on Palestinians.

In Charsadda, Jamaat, JUI-F and other organisations staged a rally at Farooq Azam Chowk to condemn Israeli brutalities and express solidarity with Palestinians.

The participants chanted slogans against Israel and its backers.

Jamaat-i-Islami also organised a relief camp in Charsadda to collect donations for the Palestinian people.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2025