Hundreds of religious party workers from the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and the outlawed Jamaatud Dawah (JuD) turned out on roads on Friday to condemn the NATO attack on an army check post.
Leaders of religious parties demanded a firm stand against NATO and the US to repulse invaders for protecting the homeland’s security and honour besides the lives of countrymen and soldiers. They also demanded immediate withdrawal from the War on Terror, vacating all bases in use of US forces and expelling US diplomats by closing its embassy and consulates.
A protest was staged under aegis of the JI Lahore chapter outside Mansoora after Friday prayers, which was led by JI Deputy Secretary General Farid Paracha and JI Lahore chief Amirul Azeem. Addressing the rally, they demanded immediate evacuation of all airbases being used by US forces, cutting off the NATO supply line and expulsion of all US personnel diplomatic or others. They called upon the rulers, opposition leaders and bureaucrats to bring back their wealth from abroad to the country to bolster the falling national economy.
Addressing participants of a rally at Chuburji, JuD chief Hafiz Saeed appreciated the military leadership’s decision of giving a befitting reply top any aggression in the future. He said that NATO attacked Pakistan and at the same time was encouraging India to follow the same path. Separately, hundreds of deaf, dumb, blind and disabled people gathered outside the Lahore Press Club to participate in the demonstration organised by the outlawed JuD. The participants were carrying flags and placards and banners inscribed with slogans against the US and NATO forces and demanded expelling all CIA agents from the country. The Jamiat Ahle Hadith-Ibtesam Group staged a demonstration at Lawrence Road against NATO’s acts. The Jamiat Ulema Pakistan (JUP) Punjab chapter staged a demonstration outside Firdaus Market. The Insaaf Students Federation (ISF) and the World Islamic Organisation (WIO) also held anti-NATO protests.
