Thousands of people, including women and children, on Sunday took part here in Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal's 'Million March', even in absence of many top leaders, to register protest against publication of blasphemous caricatures.
MMA president Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan could not attend the rally for being under house arrest.
The protest originally meant to condemn blasphemous caricatures turned into vows for ousting President Pervez Musharraf as almost all speakers took advantage of wide-ranging co-operation pacts signed between India and United States and latter's meagre commitment for economic and strategic development of Pakistan.
However, protestors who converged in thousands at M A Jinnah Road voiced concerns against profanation of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). They burned Danish and US flags and effigies of US President George Bush while the Israeli flag was carpeted on ground for people to walk over it.
People coming in small processions gathered from around the city at Tibet Center, where the religious leaders addressed the rally.
The rally, held as part of Tahaffuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat movement, remained peaceful amid tight security arrangements with around 4000 personnel of law enforcement agencies deployed at various spots in the city.
Addressing the rally, Opposition Leader in National Assembly and MMA Secretary General Fazlur Rehman belittled President Musharraf, saying policies pursued by him at behest of the US President only made Pakistan a 'loyal ally' in eyes of world super power whereas India was blessed with numerous privileges.
He said the blasphemy, which united Muslims all over the world, must be taken to its logical end, adding the way people of Karachi had expressed solidarity on the cartoons issue signified unity among Muslims.
According to him, the country was facing huge external challenges that required people to confront them. "Conspiracy is being hatched on our borders and hostile situation in Balochistan is also part of it," he said.
MMA President Qazi Hussain Ahmed in his recorded message said publication of blasphemous caricatures was not an isolated incident but bore marks of a well-conceived conspiracy and he termed it a 'Satanic act'.