Protests against the US-made anti-Islam film and the publication of blasphemous cartoons in France continued across the country on Sunday, as at least 5,000 people rallied in Karachi to demand the closure of US and French embassies.
Sunday’s rallies, however, remained peaceful unlike like last Friday’s violent protests across the country on the Youm-e-Ishq-e-Rasool (SAW) that saw at least 22 people killed and property worth millions going up in flames.
Police had beefed up security for the rally in Karachi that was organised by Ahle Sunnat wa Al-Jamaat, while paramilitary forces were also called in to secure the area.
“Beheading is the only punishment for blasphemy,” read one banner. “We demand all French and US diplomatic missions shut in Pakistan,” said another, as protesters shouted: “We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the honour of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)!”
Senior police official Amir Lodhi said “about 5,000 people were in the rally”, adding that organisers made assurances they would not march towards the US consulate.
Per details, the rally was taken out from Lasbela Chowk to Guru Mandir.
The demonstrators demanded the Muslim nations summon an emergency OIC moot and devise a joint strategy to criminalize defamation of prophets.
The crudely made “Innocence of Muslims” movie has sparked angry and at times violent demonstrations across the globe. Adding fuel to the fire, a French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published sacrilegious images of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), further inflaming Muslim sentiment.
Protest were staged in Lahore also, where Majlis-e-Ahrar Islam Pakistan staged a rally against the US movie.
A large number of workers participated in the protest outside the Lahore Press Club.
The participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against America and Israel. They also burnt a US flag.
Addressing the protesters, Qari Muhammad Yousaf and Mian Muhammad Awais condemned the moviemakers and pledged to sacrifice their lives for the honour of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Jamatud Dawa also took out a protest rally against the film and images in Lahore Cantonment. The rally was addressed by JD chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed.
The Tanzeem-e-Islami Lahore also staged a demonstration to condemn the sacrilegious actions.
Anti-blasphemy protesters demand closure of US, French embassies
