On December 25, 2024, two dedicated cyclists, Haroon General and Hamza Niazi, embarked on a 300 km ride from Islamabad to Lahore via GT Road to express their unwavering support for the people of Palestine.
Sponsored by Bank Alfalah and CanOlive, the ride was organized in collaboration with Gaza Sunbirds, a paracycling group from Palestine.
The journey began at Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, where a group of local cyclists gathered to lend their support to the cause. As they rode through the scenic route along GT Road, the team gained momentum, with additional cyclists joining the cause as the ride neared Jhelum. This growing presence of solidarity underscored the cyclists’ commitment to standing with the Palestinian people during these extraordinarily challenging times.
Haroon General, one of the event’s organizers, explained the significance of the ride: “The ride is all about endurance, but it is nothing compared to what the people of Palestine and Gaza have to endure due to the occupation and the ongoing genocide. We want them to know that they are always in our thoughts and prayers.”
His co-rider, Hamza Niazi, echoed the sentiment, saying, “The people of Palestine have shown the world what courage is, and this is our little dedication to them. We hope that the war ends and Palestinians can return to their homes.”
Throughout the ride, the cyclists were escorted by the National Highways and Motorway Police, who ensured their safety on the busy national highway, allowing the group to focus on their mission. The event was not only a physical challenge but also a powerful display of empathy, unity, and awareness for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Upon reaching Lahore, the cyclists were greeted by a warm and heartfelt welcome at Lahore Fort, where local residents expressed their solidarity and support for the cause. The sight of the cyclists completing their journey was a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle faced by the Palestinian people and the importance of global solidarity in the fight for justice and peace.
This remarkable ride not only highlighted the enduring strength of the Palestinian people but also brought attention to the need for continued awareness and action in the pursuit of peace in the region.