Defence of Al-Quds pledged

LAHORE: A large number of people under the banner of Difa-e-Pakistan Council staged a rally Sunday at the Istanbul Chowk, the Mall, and condemned the decision of US president for recognising Jerusalem as Israeli capital.

The hallmark of the rally was address by Jamaatud Dawa Ameer Hafiz Saeed, who made first public appearance after nearly a year-long detention.

Other speakers included head of a JUI faction Maulana Samiul Haq, JI Secretary General Liaqat Baloch, Awami Muslim League chief Sh Rashid, Riaz Fatyana, Ibtesam Elahi Zaheer, Ameer Hamza, Abdul Rehman Makki and others. Hafiz Saeed said the announcement by US President Donald Trump to accept Al-Quds as Israeli capital was in fact a proclamation of war and beginning of crusades against the Ummah. He said the Muslims never waged war as Islam is the religion of peace but the US recognition of Al-Quds as Israeli capital was the beginning of a war against Muslims.

He also stated that first ‘Saleebi Jang’ (crusade) was also fought in Al-Quds and the decision of the last crusade would also take place here now. The JD Ameer also stated that entire world was passing through an agonising phase but here in Pakistan, tirade was continuing against judiciary and country’s institutions. He said targeting judiciary and institution like army by rulers was in fact serving Indian prime minister’s agenda.

Maulana Samiul Haq stated that Jihad couldn’t be linked with state orders and it was time not to look at the rulers but to wake up the entire Muslim nation. He said after the recent incident of Al-Quds, the next target of Jews was ‘Harmain Sharifain’ and it was Difa-e-Pakistan Council which would protect country’s borders as well as our sacred places.

He said on December 29, the Difa-e-Pakistan Council would hold a public meeting which would be led by JD Ameer Hafiz Saeed, adding parties like the MQM, the PPP would also be extended invitation in this connection.

Meanwhile, a rally by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah led by Allama Ashraf Asif Jalali was taken out in which large number of people vowed to protect Namoos-e-Risalat (SAW) at every cost.