Tens of Thousands of Karachiites, including women and children, took to Sharae Faisal to express solidarity with Kashmiri brethren against the Indian oppression particularly New Delhi's move to withdraw the special status of Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK), here on Sunday.
Despite rough weather condition, a large number of people including workers and leaders of various political as well as religio-politcal parties participated in the rally. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan chief Sirajul Haq urged the government to provide a clear road map for the freedom of Indian Occupied Kashmir. He said the struggle of Kashmiri people for their freedom from Indian occupation is legitimate by all means and international laws.
He said more than 600 thousand Indian troops are already present in an internationally recognized disputed territory. In this scenario, he said, being a party of the conflict, the Pakistan army should also be there.
Expressing his full confidence in the capabilities of Pakistan army, the JI chief said the govt and the army should announce a roadmap for the freedom of occupied territory.
In response to the Indian move to unilaterally withdrawing the Article 370 and 35A of its constitution, he demanded to revoke the Shimla Accord and take solid measures to eliminate fence from the 450 kilometres long Line of Control.
He also demanded of the government to provide representation to the people of occupied Kashmir in the legislative assembly of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He made it clear that the statements on the social media are not going to work in regard to the freedom of occupied territory of Kashmir and its time to take practical steps with courage and realistic approach.
The JI chief warned the government of a massive march to Islamabad if the ruling regime fails in playing its due role. He regretted that no solid activity is being seen on the govt or state level. He, however, said the entire nation can listen the cry of the mothers and sisters from the Indian Occupied Kashmir. He urged the ruling class to follow the footprints of Tipu Sultan, instead of Mir Jafar and Mir Sadiq.
Senator Sirajul Haq assured the government that entire nation would support the rulers, if Islamabad takes step ahead for the freedom of Kashmir. The JI chief said tens of thousands of Karachiites took to Sharae Faisal today despite heavy rain to deliver a clear message to the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that Muslims from across the world, particularly Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder to support them.
He also warned the rulers that Azad Jammu and Kashmir would be the next target, if Pakistan completely losses the occupied territory. PPP central leader Senator Raza Rabbani also addressed the rally. He said the situation in occupied Kashmir merits to take the route of struggle and practical steps, instead of taking the route of lame excuses. He said Pakistan doesn't want war but any dialogue with the Modi govt in India is out of question without ending the ruthless Indian oppression in the occupied territory. He regretted that the international community is playing the shameless role of a spectator. The PPP leader also rejected any so-called facilitation role by the United States in this regard.
JI Karachi chief Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman reminded the state of its responsibilities saying that Jihad is the responsibility of state and it has to play its due role in this regard. He said it's time to take practical steps for the freedom of Kashmir. Citing the example of Afghanistan, he said Jihad is the only way to free the Indian occupied Kashmir.
Milli Muslim League's leader Hafiz Amjad, Qazi Ahmed Noorani of the Jamiat Ulma-e-Pakistan, Omer Khan of Islami Jamiat Talaba and other leaders of JI also addressed the march.