Pashtuns stage ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ rally in Lahore

LAHORE: The Pakistan Zindabad Movement staged a rally here Saturday to express solidarity with Pakistan Army and pledge all-out support for country’s security and integrity. The ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ rally was staged from Shahdara to Charing Cross on The Mall Lahore by the Pashtun community living in Lahore. A large number of Pashtun tribal leaders and young people participated in the rally. They were holding Pakistani flags, placards and banners inscribed with slogans in favour of Pak Army and the sacrifices offered by Pashtuns for the country.

The rally starting from Shahdara passed through Batti Chowk, Data Darbar, Nasser Bagh, The Mall, and culminated at Charing Cross, in front of the Punjab Assembly. At various points, Haris Khan Kakar, Syed Kazim Gilani Pir Pathan, Nizam Khan Zahir Shah, Sayed Wali Shah and Saeed Shah.

In his presidential address at Charing Cross, Pakistan Zindabad Movement head Pir Syed Agha Tariq Gilani said the purpose of staging the rally was to make it clear that Pashtuns would stand by Pakistan Army and the Judiciary in all times of trial and tribulations. He said loyalty with the country was in the blood of Pashtuns, and they were always ready to sacrifice their lives for the motherland.

The speakers appreciated the role of judiciary for giving verdicts against corrupt elements and giving rights to the downtrodden segments of society.

They said the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa lacked health and education facilities for the poor people and regretted that National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) had withheld CNICs of thousands of Pashtuns. They called upon the Authority to simplify the procedure for obtaining the CNICs.

At the end of the rally, special prayers were held for Pakistan, its security and integrity and prosperity of people.

Meanwhile, addressing another rally staged outside the Lahore Press Club on Saturday, speakers said the entire Pashtun community was standing with the armed forces of the country. They said Manzoor Pashtun had no link with the Pashtun community, as he was dividing the community.

People had to face serious traffic problems at Simla Pahari chowk and Charing Cross almost all day.