Islamabad, 20 April 2025

Tens of thousands gathered in Islamabad on Sunday in a major pro-Palestinian rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakistan’s largest religio-political party, to protest against Israeli genocide in Gaza. The demonstration marked one of the largest public mobilizations in Pakistan since the latest escalation of violence in Gaza, which began in October 2023.

Originally planned near the US Embassy, the protest was relocated to Islamabad’s Zero Point after discussions with the Interior Ministry. Authorities placed barricades and shipping containers around the city’s Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and foreign embassies, including that of the US—Israel’s closest ally.

Participants waved Palestinian and JI flags, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. Thousands of women also took part, according to local broadcaster Geo News.

In his address, JI Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman condemned US support for Israel and criticized Arab leaders for remaining silent on what he described as Israeli war crimes. Rehman declared April 26 as a day of nationwide strike and called for boycotts of brands linked to Israel. He urged Pakistan to formally recognize Hamas and allow the group to open an office in the country, citing Hamas' 2006 electoral victory and its recognition under the UN Charter.

Rehman also denounced both Pakistan’s ruling government and the opposition for what he termed as political inaction and compliance with US policies. He asserted that the Palestinian cause is not only a humanitarian concern but a matter of religious duty, and contrasted Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners with Hamas’ treatment of hostages.

In Karachi, a parallel rally was held by the Central Muslim League near the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was attended by thousands, including a representative from Hamas.

Pakistan does not recognize Israel and advocates for a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. Since Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza on March 18, over 1,800 Palestinians have been killed, breaking a previous ceasefire. The total death toll since October 2023 has surpassed 51,000, with many more feared buried under rubble.

Israel faces multiple international legal challenges, including war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court and a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.

The Islamabad protest was carefully monitored by security forces amid the arrival of a foreign dignitary in the capital. Traffic disruptions were reported, and citizens were advised to plan accordingly due to heightened security around key routes.