On Sunday, participants of the ‘Save Gaza March’ concluded their six-hour sit-in at Islamabad’s D-Chowk. They declared their intention to hold another demonstration in the federal capital on March 31.
Senator Mushtaq Ghani from Jamaat-e-Islami stated to the media, “Our sole purpose in this movement is to protect Gaza.”
A group of individuals supporting the Palestinian cause gathered at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on a Sunday. Some of them had minor altercations with the law enforcement officers who attempted to prevent them from obstructing the intersection of Jinnah Avenue and Constitution Avenue.
During an attempt by the police to halt the demonstration, protesters successfully organized a sit-in on the road. However, their discussions with the JI senator did not yield a favorable outcome.
Nestled near prominent government structures such as the Presidency, Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, Supreme Court, and foreign embassies, Islamabad’s renowned public square has become a preferred location for political figures and members of civil society to express their opinions and concerns.
During the protest march, the police confiscated the protesters’ sound system, but they successfully acquired a replacement to continue amplifying their message.
The religio-political party’s demonstration persisted until 8 pm, following an iftar gathering at the protest location where they provided dates and water. They emphasized that the people of Palestine were having their iftar amidst the ruins.
Ghani declared, “We are prepared to face imprisonment,” and mentioned that law enforcement attempted to hinder them upon entering the city’s public square. Emphasizing, “We are not deterred by potential arrests.”
He expressed deep concern over the lack of drinking water for Gazans and urged Pakistan to seek intervention from the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s actions. Furthermore, he called for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to initiate hearings on Israel’s alleged war crimes.
Upon the conclusion of the sit-in, the Islamabad police attempted to apprehend Ghani as he departed for his residence. It is claimed that a disagreement ensued between Ghani and the officers when they sought to detain him.
Upon witnessing his son recording the event, the policemen grew vocal. According to the police, an order under Section 144 of the CrPC prohibits public assemblies. They mentioned that appropriate measures are being taken to address unauthorized gatherings.
The statement mentioned that demonstrators allegedly attempted to access the highly secured area, threw stones at the authorities, and obstructed the road. The police reported one of their officers sustained injuries during the incident. Furthermore, it was emphasized that no individual should be permitted to hinder the use of roads and highways.
On October 7th, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the death of 1,200 individuals and capturing 253 hostages as reported by Israeli sources. Israel’s retaliation has led to the unfortunate death of nearly 32,000 Palestinians, as per the information provided by Gaza health authorities.
Recently, Russia and China blocked a proposed resolution from the United States at the Security Council, aiming to establish a ceasefire in Gaza. Moscow criticized Washington for presenting a “hypocritical spectacle” that fails to exert pressure on Israel.
Vasily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador, remarked that the United States has not taken any actions to control Israel. He sarcastically questioned the sincerity of Washington’s call for a ceasefire, given the significant damage inflicted upon Gaza, which he described as being “almost erased from the face of the Earth.”
