Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike in solidarity with the people of Palestine on April 22.
Hafiz Naeem said that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and has shredded the UN Charter. He claimed that even now, Israel cannot defeat Hamas.
He urged the ruling authorities to raise their voice against Israeli atrocities, adding that the brutalities in Gaza have exposed the true face of Western leaders. He noted that even in the United States, 50 per cent of people support Palestine and that people all around the world are expressing solidarity with Gaza. He called on all political parties to condemn Israel.
Hafiz Naeem also recalled that Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, was once asked to recognise Israel, but he refused, saying “our foundation is not for sale.”
He said the April 22 strike will not be a political party’s strike but a united call for Palestine. He claimed to have received approval from Palestinian leadership and plans to engage with movements in other countries to turn the strike into a global protest.
“This is not just a party’s strike; it’s a voice for Palestine,” he said. “We will close our businesses for a day to show what real solidarity looks like — from Kashmir to Gwadar, the entire country will stand together.”
Last year, Pakistan marked October 7 as Palestine Solidarity Day to raise voice against the ongoing oppression of unarmed Palestinians in Gaza.
Rallies were held in which the people expressed support to Muslim brothers and sisters facing the worst brutalities of Israeli forces.
