RAWALPINDI, Sept 17: After Karachi, the traders and religious leaders on Monday decided to bring out rally in Rawalpindi which will march towards US Embassy on September 20 to record their protest against the anti-Islam and blasphemous film made by US national.

Traders and religious leaders of the garrison city held meeting on Monday and decided to launch a protest rally. The meeting was attended by three groups of traders Markazi Anjuman Tajran (Sh. Sadiq group) President Sharjeel Mir, Traders Association President Chaudhry Imran and PML-N traders Cell president Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, local madaris heads Maulana Ashraf Ali, Mufti Rizwan, Mufti Mujeebur Rehman, Qazi Mushtaq and others.

They decided to observe strike on September 20 after 2pm and traders would close their shops and business outlets and seminary students will gather at Chandani Chowk and march towards US embassy to record the protest.

“We are united for the dignity of Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) and will remove all the hurdles in the way to US embassy to record our protest,” said traders leader Sharjeel Mir.

He said that the traders would observe strike after Zohar prayers and gather at Benazir Bhutto Road to march towards US embassy. He said that all the traders and religious sects are united for this religious cause.

Traders Association President Chaudhry Imran told Dawn that the basic aim of the protest rally was to record their protest and gave the message to those who committed blasphemous act that Muslims would not tolerate such action in future.

ATTOCK: Traders, religious, political leaders and activists and lawyers on Monday held demonstrations in Attock, Kamra and Taxila against the anti-Islam film produced in the US.

In Kamra, Hundreds of people were gathered at  on main G.T. road  to stage the protest against the American government and the producers of the blasphemous film.

The angry protesters were carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans against the producers of the sacrilegious film. They also burnt  American flags and effigy of the film producer.

Speaking on the occasion, religious leaders and politicians demanded of the government to expel the American ambassador. They said Islam is the religion of peace, tranquility and brotherhood. However, the sinful act of American film producer was an open challenge to the Muslims. Later, the protesters were dispersed peacefully.

The legal community of Taxila and Wah on Monday boycotted courts and took out protest rally against the movie.

The judges and their staff also took part in the strike by boycotting their routine work.

Later they took out rally from judicial complex to main Taxila chowk. Holding banners and placards, protesters shouted slogans against the filmmaker and the US government for not taking action against those who were involved in the production.  They also burnt US flag and effigy of US President Obaama.

Speaking on this occasion, the lawyers also criticised the government for not registering a strong protest with the US administration.