Islamabad:Millions of Pakistanis gathered in major cities of Pakistan on Friday to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir in response to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call.
The prime minister led the nation in expression of solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
The premier came out of his office at the Prime Minister Secretariat to address the demonstrators who had gathered there on his call.
“Pakistan nation stands by Kashmiris and we will stand by Kashmir till our last breath,” he said, stressing the need to understand the RSS’ extremist ideology which foments hatred against Muslims.
He drew parallels between Hitler’s Nazi Party and RSS, of which Narendra Modi is a lifelong member.
“They think Muslims should be taught a lesson. That they are not equal citizens of India. The entire world is seeing what is happening in Kashmir.”
He said the entire world would have supported Kashmiris if they were non-Muslims.
“When I said I will become ambassador of Kashmir, I meant that I will fight Kashmir’s case at every forum.”
The prime minister said in his opinion peace for the New York Times he has exposed the RSS which he said is not only dangerous for the Muslims but also a threat to other communities including Christians.
The 30-minute Kashmir Solidarity Hour commenced from 12:00 pm in which sirens were sounded across the country. The national anthem of Pakistan and national anthem of Azad Jammu and Kashmir were also played.
During national anthems, all the people and vehicles come to a standstill and traffic signals remained red.
Karachi
A large number of citizens in nation’s financial hub, which is home to at least 20 million people, gathered at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to observe Kashmir Hour.
Cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi, showbiz celebrities, school children and members of civil society were attending the demonstration .
Jamaat-e-Islami also took out a huge rally to express solidarity with people of Kashmir.
Lahore
The country’s second largest city also witnessed a sea of people coming out of their homes, offices and work places to observe the ‘Kashmir Hour’.
They were holding Pakistani and Azad Kashmiri flags and placards, chanting Kashmir Bane Ga Pakistan (Kashmir will Pakistan).
Punjab Governor Ch Mohammad Sarwar and CM Usman Buzdar attended the rally at Faisal Chowk in Lahore. The chief minister said the nation has sent a strong message that Pakistan is with their Kashmiri brothers.
Peshawar:
Governor KPK Shah Farman and Chief Minsiter Mehood Khan led the protest rally in the provincial capital.
Rallies and demonstrations were also held in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Quetta, Hyderabad and other cities.