KARACHI, March 1: The organizers of Sunday’s million march against the American threat of war on Iraq are confident of a massive turnout at the march to reflect the rejection of Washington’s war hysteria, mainly affecting the Ummah.

The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal has given the call for the march which will start at 3pm from Numaish Chowrangi. A large number of women are also expected to participate.

The MMA had announced that the rally would terminate at Tower, but a home ministry press release said that when the MMA delegation had met the provincial home minister, it was given permission according to which the rally would terminate at Tibet Centre.

According to an MMA press release, Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Maulana Fazalur Rahman, Maulana Samiul Haq, Allama Sajid Meer, Allama Sajid Naqvi and others would speak at the rally at Tibet Centre.

The organizers have claimed the support of a vast majority, including the minorities. Delegations of the components parties of the MMA have met various political parties in the city to solicit their participation.

Besides political parties, a large number of trade union organizations, NGOs and student bodies have also announced their support for the rally.

In order to prevent traffic jam in the rest of the city, the organizers have advised the participants to join the rally at Numaish Chowrangi and do not try to enter from various intersections along M. A. Jinnah Road.

According to plan, men’s procession from Landhi-Korangi has been advised to reach the venue from Sharea Faisal via Shaheed-i-Millat Road and Jamshed Road. Processions from former district East will take the Hasan Square, Jail Road, Guru Mandir route. Former districts Central and West processions will come from Jehangir Road, Lasbela Chowk, and Guru Mandir. Men’s processions from Clifton, Defence and Mahmoodabad to come from Shahrah-i-Quaideen and turn right from Noorani Kabab restaurant and will reach Jail Chowrangi via Shaheed-i-Millat Road. Processions from former district South will take the Garden-Lasbela chowk route to reach the destination via Guru Mandir. According to the plan, vehicles bringing men will be parked on the right side track between Numaish Chowrangi and Sea Breeze. Beyond that no vehicle will be allowed.

The organizers claimed that the rally would be a manifestation of unity of the Ummah against America and would turn out to be a referendum against the supporters of US policies in Pakistan.