BACK

PPP, JI to jointly observe Palestine Solidarity Day tomorrow

Our Correspondent
Sunday, Oct 06, 2024

LAHORE : On Monday (tomorrow), the entire nation will take to the streets to observe Palestine Solidarity Day. On this day, no political party's slogan will be raised except the slogan of Palestine, and everyone will carry the Palestinian flag.

This resolve was expressed by Hassan Murtaza, General Secretary of the Pakistan People Party (PPP) Central Punjab, and M Javed Kasuri, ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Central Punjab, during a joint press conference at People's Secretariat in Model Town.

Also present were Neelam Jabbar, Usman Malik, Rana Jawad, Chaudhry Aslam Gul, Haji Aziz-ur-Rehman Chan, Ahsan Rizvi, Nasrullah Goraya, Ziauddin Ansari, Sami-ur-Rehman, and Chaudhry Shaukat. Before the press conference, the Jamaat-e-Islami delegation presented solidarity scarves to the hosts in support of the Palestinian people. Speaking at the press conference, Syed Hassan Murtaza said that despite differing opinions, they stand united for the cause of Palestine. He added that it is very encouraging that both parties are coming together in a time of division. If we do not represent the sentiments of the nation, the people will be angered, he said. Hassan Murtaza warned if Israeli oppression and barbarism are not stopped, its expansionist ambitions will not be thwarted. He emphasised that as true and devout Muslims and Pakistanis, they stand with Palestine. The Palestinians have neither bowed down nor been sold out; they continue to stand firm against Israel.

He stressed the need to send doctors, medicines, and other supplies to help the Palestinian people, stating that war is not the solution, and peace is in the best interest of all nations.

In response to various media questions, Syed Hassan Murtaza said that the attitude displayed by both sides is concerning, and it is the state's responsibility to work with all pillars of the system. If the federal units turn on each other, what progress can be made? He condemned the participation of foreign individuals in the protests, saying that while ‘our enemy wants to cut off our hands, we are caught up in petty differences.’

Regarding reports of the arrest of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Hassan Murtaza said no arrest should be carried out illegally, and arresting a chief minister does not serve democracy, but the underlying reasons must be examined. He urged both sides to de-escalate tensions and fight political battles in a democratic manner.

Speaking at the press conference, Javed Kasuri, ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Central Punjab, said if Israeli oppression is not stopped, its expansionist ambitions cannot be defeated. He noted that the PPP has always maintained a strong stance on Palestine and Kashmir. He urged the entire Pakistani nation to demonstrate solidarity with their Palestinian brothers on Monday. He called on everyone to come out of their homes and offices at 12 noon on October 7, carrying the Palestinian flag in solidarity. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader further said that nuclear-armed Pakistan and the government should openly express their solidarity with the Palestinians. He assured that students, workers, farmers, and women across Punjab's cities would convey a message of solidarity to the Palestinians. He praised the Palestinian people for not apologising to Israel and said they deserve commendation for that. He also pointed out that over the past year, Israel has been subjecting the Palestinian people to brutal oppression, with thousands of children and women among the 50,000 Palestinians martyred.

Unfortunately, Muslim rulers have failed to stop Israeli brutality. The Palestinian people seek support for their resistance. Jamaat-e-Islami firmly demands that the armies of all Islamic countries unite. Mere verbal statements against Israel are not enough; they demand decisive action. If we cannot physically support the Palestinians, we should at least open our borders, he said and mentioned that 2,800 doctors have registered through the Al-Khidmat platform to provide assistance to Palestine.