MARDAN, Sept 16: Sunday saw several more protests in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against sacrilegious anti-Islam film produced in the US with protesters calling on the government to snap diplomatic and other relations with America.

Speakers at the protests claimed that the blasphemous film was supported by the US administration and released to fuel extremism in Muslim states as part of its tactics to make ground for intervention in other countries.

They protesters also burnt American flags and effigies of the US president to vent their anger at those behind production and promotion of the film.

In Mardan, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) held a protest demonstration against the blasphemous movie at Mangal Bagh Chowk on Sunday. JUI-F provincial deputy general secretary Maulana Amanat Shah led the demonstration.

The protesters were carrying banners and placards inscribed with anti-US slogans as well as demands that the government of Pakistan cut relations with the US government.

Speaking at the demonstration, the JUI-F leaders asked the rulers to immediately expel the US ambassador in Pakistan. They said that the film should be banned across the world and the filmmakers punished. They also demanded apology from the US administration over the blasphemous film.

The speakers rejected the statement of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the blasphemous movie was not supported by the American government.

ABBOTTABAD: Association of Churches of Hazara division has said that the condemnable act in the US would shatter peace and harmony among different religions and faiths.

A meeting of the association was held at a local church with Father Ikram in the chair on Sunday and demanded punishment to makers and promoters of the sacrilegious movie.

Protest rallies were also organised by the district bar association and religious parties to condemn the act.

GHALANAI: A protest rally was taken out by Jamaat-i-Islami here on Sunday to protest against anti-Islam film produced in the US. The protesters vent their anger at the US by walking on its flag and burning it down.

Addressing the protesters, JI Mohmand Agency chief Mohammad Saeed and Fata chapter general secretary Munsif Khan said that the rulers had turned Pakistan into a US colony. They called for a halt to killing of innocent civilians in the US drone attacks and so-called war on terrorism.

They also demanded of the government to block Nato supplies.

KARAK: People of Karak on Sunday organised a rally and termed the film a conspiracy against Muslims. The protesters were led by Maulana Abdur Rehman of JUI-F.

Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Abdur Rehman demanded of the government to immediately snap diplomatic relations with the US.

KOHAT: People and workers of religious parties, led by banned Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, staged a rally against the blasphemous film and asked for snapping relations with the US.

Speaking to the protesters at Shah Faisal Gate here, Fayyaz Haideri and Abdullah Haideri condemned production of the film.

Opinion

Editorial

Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...
Budget and politics
Updated 14 Jun, 2024

Budget and politics

PML-N, scared of taking bold steps lest it loses whatever little public support it has, has left its traditional support — traders — virtually untouched.
New talks?
14 Jun, 2024

New talks?

WILL this prove another false start, or may we expect a more sincere effort this time? Reference is made to the...
A non-starter
14 Jun, 2024

A non-starter

WHILE the UN Security Council had earlier this week adopted a US-backed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza...