KARACHI: Rallies were held at several universities across the province on Tuesday to express solidarity with the armed forces and their recently launched operation, Ghazab lil-Haq.

Organised on the directives of the Higher Education Commission, the gatherings saw significant participation by students, faculty members and university officials who paid rich tributes to the forces’ personnel who are sacrificing their lives for the motherland.

“We stand with our armed forces as they fight relentlessly against the enemies. Their crushing responses to hostile elements are proof that the country’s defence rests in invincible hands,” noted Karachi University (KU) Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, while speaking at one such rally held at the KU campus.

He emphasised that enemies must take into account Pakistan’s brave armed forces, its strong defence system, its people willing to sacrifice their lives for the homeland, and its nuclear capability, before contemplating any action against the country.

“Pakistan is a peace-loving country and desires peace and stability in the region. However, any compromise on national defence will never be acceptable.”

He strongly condemned the attacks carried out on Iran through the United States-Israel alliance, stating that these actions were not only a grave violation of human rights but also a malicious attempt to undermine the sovereignty of an independent nation.

“Despite severe sanctions and difficult circumstances, Iran continues to stand as a shining example of unity and solidarity. The high morale and resilience of the Iranian nation serve as an admirable model for other countries,” the vice chancellor said.

Leading a similar rally at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon said there would be no compromise on national security.

“The forces’ sacrifices are the foundation of our independence and their operation signifies our national resolve,” he remarked.

Principal Sindh Medical College Prof Ambreen Usmani said the entire nation stood with their forces whose sacrifices would always be remembered.

At the Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), faculty members, departmental heads, deans, administrative officials and students led by Vice Chancellor Dr Mujeeb Sahrai held another solidarity rally.

Addressing the gathering, the vice chancellor stated that Pakistan had always demonstrated tolerance and restraint and didn’t believe in aggression.

He reminded that Pakistan’s history was marked by generosity and humanitarian compassion, particularly towards the Afghan refugees, to whom Pakistan provided shelter, assistance, and support for decades. He expressed deep regret that, despite these efforts, hostile actions and betrayals were directed from Afghanistan with the support of India against Pakistan, undermining peace and regional stability through terrorist activities.

Meanwhile, rallies were held in different educational institutions in Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Tandojam and Thatta on Tuesday in support of the armed forces.

A rally was held in Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, which was led by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal and was attended by registrar, faculty members, officers, employees and a large number of students.

A solidarity rally was also held in Sindh University Thatta campus under supervision of pro VC Prof Dr Misbah Bibi Qureshi. A large number of students and faculty members demonstrated patriotism and solidarity with forces.

The Students Societies Center of Shah Abdul Latif University on Tuesday organised a Solidarity Rally in support of the Pakistan Armed Forces at the university campus.

Another rally was taken out from Sindh University’s main entrance. Participants marched to the Vice Chancellor House, crossing the working women dormitory and Marvi girls’ hostel.

Addressing the rally, Professor Dr Ghulam Akbar Mahesar said that those spreading toxic propaganda against the armed forces would be soundly defeated, and that the entire nation stands with the army in the ongoing war against terrorism.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2026