Addressing the marchers, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman criticised Muslim rulers for their silence on Gaza, urging them to take inspiration from non-Muslim youth who, he said, are raising their voices for Palestine without concern for their own futures.

He emphasised the need to pressure the United States to force Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt the assault on Gaza. “A nationwide strike will be observed on April 26, including in Azad Kashmir,” he announced.

The JI chief also stated that prominent religious scholars have declared jihad mandatory for Muslims. “We will resist through boycotts and digital jihad on social media,” he said, adding that the rulers are not allowing any real resistance to be launched.

JI warns govt as Islamabad’s Red Zone sealed before pro-Palestine protest

During his speech, Hafiz Naeem also highlighted other pressing issues in the country, noting that the Baloch are demanding rights, the Pashtuns are asking for peace, and the people of Sindh are protesting against canal-related disputes.

He reiterated the call for a complete nationwide strike on April 26 and urged Muslim leaders to rise against Israel. “Despite our internal differences, we must unite for the causes of Kashmir and Palestine,” he said, condemning the destruction in Gaza and calling for Muslim solidarity in the face of oppression.