Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announces nationwide strike on April 26 in solidarity with the people of Gaza
Demands the establishment of a Hamas office in Pakistan. Addresses a massive Gaza Million March at Zero Point in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Sunday announced a nationwide strike on April 26 in solidarity with the people of Gaza, demanding the establishment of a Hamas office in Pakistan.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman made the announcement while addressing a massive Gaza Million March at Zero Point in Islamabad. Thousands, including women and children, participated in the demonstration.
During his speech, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the entire country would shut down on April 26 in protest against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. “On April 27, we will announce our future course of action and intensify our struggle,” he said. Criticizing the government for not allowing the march to proceed towards the U.S. Embassy, he said: “The rulers fear the U.S. and Israel. They closed down Islamabad to stop us. But if I give the call now, no one can stop us from reaching the embassy.”
He declared that Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to send a message of unity and peace, not confrontation, and accused the government of being slaves of slaves unwilling to fight for the causes of Palestine and Kashmir. “Anyone in Pakistan trying to befriend Israel will be wiped out,” he warned. “The genocide in Gaza is being carried out at the behest of the U.S., and if Israel is to be stopped, pressure must be exerted on Washington.”
Calling on all political parties to unite for Palestine and Kashmir, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned that if the government failed to act, “we will return and you won’t be able to stop us then.”
Former JI chief Sirajul Haq, JI Secretary-General Ameerul Azim, and other party leaders also addressed the gathering.
Sirajul Haq said the success of Gaza would be the success of all oppressed nations and urged Pakistan’s government to make its stance clear. “The prime minister represents 250 million people; he must stand with Gaza. Scholars have issued fatwas declaring jihad obligatory—those who do not act on this have no right to rule Pakistan,” he asserted.
Ameerul Azim commended the participation of women in the rally, calling their presence a defeat of “government conspiracies.” He said the message of solidarity from Pakistan is crucial, echoing the voices of Palestinian children: “True power lies only with Allah.”
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman further lauded the students in the U.S. for standing with Palestinians and sacrificing their futures. “Our Qibla is under Zionist occupation. The land of Palestine belongs to its people. Israel is not only attacking Gaza but also seizing the West Bank,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity among nations opposed to Israel and for Pakistan to play a leadership role.
He recalled that Quaid-e-Azam had also launched a movement for Palestine during Pakistan’s creation, urging authorities to disclose who from Pakistan had recently made secret visits and promises to Israel. “Any attempt to befriend Israel from Pakistan will be resisted with full force,” he warned again.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman reiterated his demand for a Hamas office in Pakistan, calling the group a legitimate resistance force fighting an occupying military. “This is not just a matter of politics, but of faith and humanity. Hamas is defending Masjid Al-Aqsa,” he said.
“The Gaza Strip is reduced to rubble and fire, but despite the bloodshed, Hamas has protected hostages, unlike Israeli jails where women’s honor is being trampled,” he stated. “Non-Muslim students are standing with Palestinians, proving that this is a global human rights issue.”
He said Israeli plans to rebuild the Temple of Solomon must be stopped, and stressed the need to pressure the U.S. to halt the war. “Only if America is pressured, will Israel back down.”
Calling the April 26 strike a form of “peaceful jihad,” Hafiz Naeemur Rehman urged people to boycott Israeli products, unite for justice, and prepare for non-violent resistance. “Jamaat-e-Islami can bring everyone together. If the rulers fail to act, we will return stronger.”
He concluded by appealing to the public to abandon divisions and accelerate the movement. “This is a struggle of our faith, our dignity, and our humanity,” he said.