CHARSADDA, Nov 16: A big pro-Taliban rally was held at the Farooq-i-Azam Square in Tehsil Bazaar here after Friday prayers.

It was addressed, among others, by Maulana Gauhar Shah, provincial Naib Amir of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam; Maulana Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq, Amir, JUI, Mohmand Agency; Hanifullah Hasrat, district general secretary, JUI; Mohammad Riaz, Amir, Jammat-i- Islami, Charsadda district; and Maulana Mohammad Gul.

They said the government had disappointed the people of Pakistan by siding with” infidels” in the Afghan war. They said the Pakistani Muslims were with their Afghan brethren at this critical juncture and were ready lay down their lives for the cause of Islam.

About recent developments in Afghanistan and unexpected retreat of the Taliban from Kabul and other places,the speakers said it was a strategic withdrawal and that the enemy must not consider this their victory.

They said the Taliban were in high spirit and ready to fight indefinitely but they retreated from big cities to avert civilian casualties.