Rawalpindi rallies in solidarity with armed forces, condemns Indian aggression

Rawalpindi:In response to the recent missile attack on civilian areas of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, residents of Rawalpindi from all walks of life—political and religious parties, civil society organizations, business leaders, lawyers, and ordinary citizens—condemned the aggression and expressed unwavering support for the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Citizens described the attack, which took place under the cover of night, as a cowardly act. In contrast, they lauded the prompt and effective response by Pakistan’s military, terming it a source of national pride. Public rallies and solidarity marches were held across the city on Wednesday. Participants carried national flags and chanted patriotic slogans such as “Allahu Akbar,” “Pakistan Zindabad,” and “Pak Army Zindabad.” People from different backgrounds emphasized that the nation stood united behind its military, prepared to defend the homeland on every front.

One such rally, organized by the Central Muslim League, was led by Rawalpindi District President Engineer Mubeen Siddiqui and Islamabad Zone President Ehsanullah Mansoor. The march started at Liaquat Bagh and concluded at Chandni Chowk. Similarly, the Rawalpindi District Bar Association held an emergency meeting, chaired by President Sardar Manzar Bashir and General Secretary Asad Mahmood Malik, strongly condemning the missile attacks. Throughout the day, the Bar's premises resounded with national songs and patriotic slogans.

The Rawalpindi Waste Management Company also organized a solidarity rally led by its Chief Executive Officer, Rana Sajid Safdar. Joined by municipal union officials and hundreds of employees, the rally proceeded from the company headquarters on Iran Road to Sixth Road. Thousands of members of civil society held a protest outside Jinnah Park, near the Judicial Complex, voicing their resolve to stand with the military. Speakers warned that India should not be under any illusion—Pakistanis of all ages are committed to defending their homeland. They stressed that India's attempts to assert military dominance would be met with national unity and strength rooted in faith.

Participants condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure and mosques, calling such acts signs of desperation and moral weakness. They emphasized that Pakistan did not initiate hostilities but reserved the right to respond to aggression with resolve. "We make our own policies and stand by them,” one speaker said. “The Pakistani nation is peaceful but will not compromise on its sovereignty.” In addition, a dialogue promoting interfaith harmony was held with special participation from Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Punjab, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. Addressing the gathering, he stated that the Indian missile strike was a grave violation of international norms and a threat to regional peace. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peace, cautioning that it should not be mistaken for weakness. He also condemned the recent incident in Pahalgam and called for an impartial investigation.

Minister Arora affirmed that followers of all religions in Pakistan enjoy full religious freedom and that national unity will prevail over attempts to destabilize the region.