On Sunday, demonstrators from JI and Gaza Bachao Tehreek—Save Gaza Movement—got into a clash with the police while attempting to enter Islamabad’s red-zone. They were protesting the government’s lack of action in response to the devastating situation faced by Palestinians in Gaza, where many are enduring a brutal genocide.
Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan led a protest on behalf of JI (Jamaat-e-Islami), while Humera Tayyaba represented the Save Gaza Movement.
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan tried negotiating with the Federal Police SSP Abdul Aleem to allow them to proceed towards the red-zone, but the police refused permission, leading to a confrontation.
According to a JI spokesperson, the police used force against peaceful protesters, resulting in injuries to some JI workers. In response, the protesters threw stones at the police.
Afterwards, the protestors staged a sit-in near D-Chowk for six hours and broke their fast on the street. They announced plans for another sit-in at the same location the following Sunday.
During the protest, Humera Tayyaba of the Save Gaza Movement highlighted their aim to pressure Israel globally. She criticized countries like the US, the UK, and some Middle Eastern nations for supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan emphasized that their movement solely aimed to save Gaza, criticizing the government for hindering their efforts.
He urged the army chief to intervene to protect Palestinians and called for Pakistan to play a role in achieving a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, JI chief Sirajul Haq, speaking in Jaranwala, criticized leaders who he claimed had reached assemblies through electoral fraud, predicting they would soon lose support due to rising inflation, making life difficult for people.