PESHAWAR
Peshawar witnessed a complete shutter-down strike in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians, as the city’s markets, including those in Saddar, Town, Hayatabad, and central Peshawar, remained closed.
This mass protest was organized to express outrage against the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel, as well as to voice opposition to India’s stance on the Palestinian issue.
The protest saw active participation from various political and social groups, with the Jamaat-e-Islami, Traders Organization of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Transporters Association playing key roles. A central protest camp was set up in Rampura Gate, where influential figures such as Malik Mehar Elahi, President of the Traders Organization, Shakeel Ahmed Saraf, President of Peshawar Chamber, and leaders from various trade associations, along with political figures, gathered to denounce Israeli actions.
In their speeches, the participants strongly condemned Israel’s violent actions and demanded that the Pakistani government and military impose a complete ban on the import of Israeli goods and services.
They reiterated that it is high time for Pakistan to take decisive action against Israeli and Indian aggressions.
Chants of “Takbir” and “Death to Israel and India” filled the air as protesters waved Palestinian flags and set fire to Israeli flags. The show of support for Palestine was overwhelming, with participants pledging unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The business community also expressed its commitment to making any sacrifice necessary in support of Palestine and against Israeli oppression.
The Transporters Association also held a rally at Haji Camp Adda, where they raised their voices in protest against Israeli atrocities. Syed Hamza Shah Yousafzai, President of the Transporters Association, emphasized that the group had taken to the streets to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. He condemned Israel’s violent actions and vowed that if the atrocities continued, they would escalate their protests across the province.
A rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) also made its way from Ashraf Road to Qissa Khawani, where District Ameer Advocate Bahrullah declared, “We ask India to declare war, so that the world can see their true nature.” He also stressed that Pakistan’s rulers must take a firm stance in support of Palestine and Kashmir, or face the wrath of the people.
The protests in Peshawar serve as a clear message of solidarity with the people of Palestine and a call for stronger action from the Pakistani government in the face of continued Israeli aggression.
