Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Lahore Women Wing observed 'International Day of Hijab' that aimed at highlighting the importance of Hijab, promoting Islamic culture and civilisation and condemning ban on the Islamic veil by the so-called democratic societies of the Western world, particularly Germany and France. Scores of women and young girls wearing naqab (veil) participated in the rally that took place outside Mansoora, Multan Road, Lahore.
The rally was led by women wing leader Aafia Sarwar, wife of Qazi Hussain Ahmed, ex-MNA Samia Raheel Qazi, Rabya Tariq and others. Slogans like 'Hijab is our right and pride', 'ban on Hijab unacceptable', 'ban on Hijab is against the spirit of democracy' etc were chanted by the participants demanding acceptance of wearing of Hijab as the right of Muslim woman.
They unanimously passed a declaration strictly condemning ban on Hijab, saying it is God-gifted and provides dignity, honour and a great status to women. The declaration demanded of the government of Pakistan to ensure protection of Islamic laws and implement them in society, avoid 'mocking' with Shariah and Hadood laws, and ensure that electronic and print media promote importance and benefits of observing Hijab.
The participants noted that western imperialist forces, after attacking on Jihad, sanctity of Holy Prophet (PBUH), family system, have now made Hijab their target connecting it with extremism and terrorism. France, Holland and Denmark have already banned Hijab, they pointed.
Addressing the rally, ex-MNA and Deputy Secretary General Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan Dr Farid Ahmed Paracha said ban on Hijab reflects cowardice of the west, as it is afraid of Islam being the most actively spreading religion in the world. He opined that no nation in the world could allow interference into their civilisation and Pakistan, also, at any cost, could not accept intervention in Islamic civilisation.
Dr Paracha predicted that western civilisation would perish abruptly, as it has no values and principles, adding Hijab has become a symbol of fear and pain for them. However, despite a ban on it, a large number of women in the west are coming towards Islam because they feel comfortable and secure with the observance of Hijab. Government of Pakistan, according to the constitution, ought to implement the Islamic way of life in the country. All the women parliamentarians, the First Lady, and wives of ministers should observe veil and promote Islamic culture throughout the country, he stated.