LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman says the nationwide successful strike has proved that the entire Pakistani nation stands united against India and Israel.

Addressing a press conference at Mansoora on Saturday, he urged the government to draw lessons from the strike, work towards fostering national cohesion and trust and ensure that its actions move in the right direction.

Rehman demanded that a meeting of all political stakeholders be convened to formulate a strategy against India’s water aggression and other provocative acts. He said the delayed response from Pakistan’s Foreign Office regarding the Pahalgam incident benefited New Delhi.

“We do not seek confrontation with anyone, but any act of aggression will be met with full force,” he warned, adding that the armed forces must remain active in prevailing circumstances.

“Pakistan must fight the Kashmiris’ case with full vigour, utilising all diplomatic channels.”

He announced that public mobilisation for Palestine would continue, with Gaza ‘million marches’ to be held on May 16 in Abbottabad and on May 18 in Malakand. He praised the public for observing a complete shutdown across all major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta.

Despite that the JI has not formally called for strike in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, the people voluntarily shut down businesses in solidarity in the areas as well, he said, extending special appreciation to traders, industrialists and business owners.

Paying tribute to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, he said his role in making Pakistan’s defence invincible is unforgettable.

He stressed that living with dignity and honour is the key to success in this world and the hereafter, lamenting that both the government and opposition parties seek American approval rather than placing their trust in God.

He said 250 million Pakistanis displayed national unity through the strike, with even remote areas of Balochistan participating actively — a hopeful sign for Pakistan’s future.

He called on the government to show complete responsibility, end injustices against the people and resolve the longstanding issues of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

While congratulating workers of all political parties and trader organisations for joining hands against Israeli and Indian oppression, he clarified that JI does not seek sole credit for the strike, emphasising that it was a manifestation of national solidarity.

Commenting on the Pahalgam incident, he said India is orchestrating false flag operations, as has been its pattern in the past. “From the 1995 tourist kidnapping to the Sikh killings during Clinton’s visit, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India has consistently blamed Pakistan without evidence,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2025