Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Islamabad on Sunday (April 20) in one of Pakistan’s largest public rallies in recent memory, expressing unwavering solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing military offensive on Gaza.
The protest, led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakistan’s largest religio-political party, was initially planned near the US Embassy but was relocated to Zero Point after negotiations with the Interior Ministry. The US, Israel’s key ally, became a primary focus of criticism during the fiery speeches delivered by party leaders.
Security tightened, Red Zone sealed
To maintain order and prevent entry into Islamabad’s high-security Red Zone—which houses parliament, embassies, and key ministries—authorities deployed heavy contingents of police and used shipping containers and barbed wire to block roads.
Despite the disruptions to traffic and daily life, demonstrators chanted resolutely, waving Palestinian and party flags, and echoing slogans such as: “Down with Israel,” “Down with the US,” and “Labbaik ya Gaza (Gaza, we are here).”
Amidst a sea of supporters, JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman delivered a scathing address: “We don’t want to clash with the government and the police. But I want to remind you, the US is not our friend but it’s the biggest supporter and protector of the Zionist regime that has killed tens of thousands of unarmed civilians, mostly women and children in Gaza.”
Rehman: “Boycott, Strike, and Resistance”
Rehman condemned silence of international community and leaders, saying: “Bravery and steadfastness have exposed the West’s so-called claims of justice, human rights and civility.”
He urged Pakistanis to boycott products that finance Israeli interests and criticized both the government and the opposition for inaction, alleging that political elites prioritize Western approval over justice for Palestinians.
He announced a nationwide strike on April 26, declaring: “From Chitral to Karachi … we will hold a full strike. We will wage a jihad through boycotts, strikes, and social media [campaigns].”
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Gaza under siege
The rally was a response to Israel’s latest military escalation in Gaza, which resumed on March 18, shattering a January 19 ceasefire agreement. Since October 7, 2023, more than 51,200 Palestinians have been killed and over 116,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Parallel to the Islamabad rally, thousands gathered in Karachi near the mausoleum of Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in a protest organized by the Central Muslim League. Although Pakistan does not officially recognize Israel, it supports a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
JI announces countrywide strike on April 26
With the JI’s call for a countrywide shutdown on April 26, the movement shows no signs of slowing. The party has vowed to continue pressuring the government and mobilizing public opinion in favor of Palestinians.
“People tell us to speak about humanity, but our humanity is grounded in our religion,” Rehman concluded, underscoring the deeply moral and faith-based impetus driving the demonstrations.