Islamabad: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), declared a statewide protest strike throughout Pakistan on April 26 and harshly denounced Israel for its current military war in Gaza, according to Dawn.

Rehman asked supporters to be ready for a complete shutdown from “Chitral to Karachi” and called for a boycott of goods that financially support Israel while speaking during the party’s Palestine Solidarity March on the Islamabad Expressway on Sunday.

“From Chitral to Karachi … we will hold a full strike,” Rehman said. “On April 26, we will visit each store and advise them to halt their operations. We will use social media [campaigns], strikes, and boycotts to fight a jihad (holy war).

Speaking before a sizable crowd, Rehman demanded swift action and accused Israel of committing crimes in Gaza. He called on the people of Pakistan to support the Palestinian cause.

“Regardless of whether you have a gun or political power, if you face Israel, you will be destroyed,” he said. “Take a stance and defend the Palestinian cause. Get up and denounce Israel. Oppose America.

“We are not your slaves, as the Prophet’s [PBUH] servants do not recognize the US or Israel’s slavery,” he said in his criticism of the US.

Rehman insisted that the Pakistani government establish an official office for Hamas and legally recognize the organization. “We demand that a Hamas office be opened in Pakistan and that they be formally recognized,” he said.

According to the UN Charter, they are an army, a recognized movement, and a legal authority. They won elections in 2006, proving they are a democratic force as well. America refused to recognize the outcome; they are an adversary of democracy, and now they are seeing a slaughter in Gaza.”

Over 51,000 Palestinians have died as a consequence of the Israeli onslaught, and many more are reportedly buried behind debris, according to the head of the JI. He said that neither Pakistan’s opposition nor administration had taken a firm stance on the matter.

“The opposition does nothing unless it furthers their own aims,” he said. “They don’t speak out against America or in favor of Palestine. Both the opposition and the administration will continue to submit to America. Everything they own will be destroyed.

Rehman presented the matter as one of religion as well as human rights. “People tell us to speak about humanity, but our humanity is grounded in our religion,” he said. “Gaza is a pile of rubble, children are being targeted, but the [Israeli] hostages are being protected by Hamas.”

He made a comparison between Hamas’s and Israel’s treatment of detainees. He said that Hamas was “acting following Islam” and “showing true humanity,” adding that “Children have been imprisoned for 20 years; that is Israel.”

The JI first declared its intention to march in the direction of the US Embassy, which is situated within the Red Zone, a high-security area of Islamabad. However, they eventually agreed with the government of Islamabad to move the demonstration to the Expressway.

“The JI has decided not to march towards the Red Zone and will march for Gaza on the Islamabad Expressway,” said Amir Baloch, the information secretary for the JI Islamabad. A platform will be erected on the H8 Overhead Bridge, and we will march close to Zero Point. Our central leaders, including Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman of Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan, will speak at the gathering.

Protesters were permitted to enter the Expressway via Double Road and IJP Road, a Dawn.com journalist said. Despite being temporarily withdrawn, the security containers were kept ready to be redeployed in the event of an escalation.

Due to the presence of a foreign dignitary, Islamabad Police also issued a notice stating that there will be increased security around the city.

“Due to the arrival of a foreign guest in Islamabad on 20 April 2025, from 7pm to 9pm, extraordinary security arrangements have been made at various times at Karal Chowk, Express Highway, Khanna Pul, Faizabad, Club Road, and Radio Pakistan Chowk,” police said on X.

In addition to cautioning about delayed traffic, the advice suggested that residents use the Expressway’s alternative service roads and leave early for their destinations. Travelers were advised by police to stay away from Zero Point, the site of the JI demonstration.

Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, had arrived in Islamabad to meet with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Trade, investment, energy cooperation, regional security, and interpersonal relationships were anticipated to be the main topics of discussion.

The JI rally comes after thousands of people showed their support for Gaza at prior protests in Karachi last week. People from a variety of professions, including attorneys, merchants, teachers, physicians, and leaders of civil society, joined the Islamabad march, according to a JI news release, Dawn said.

The Islamabad Police announced comprehensive traffic diversion measures in response to the demonstration. Areas close to the Serena Hotel, Nadra, Marriott Hotel, and Express Chowk were among those affected by the closure of entry and departure points into the Red Zone.

Margalla Road was recommended for citizens traveling to the Secretariat or Red Zone, while the Srinagar Highway, Rawal Dam Chowk, 9th Avenue, and Double Road were the other routes for people traveling between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

To prevent traffic, officials asked residents to keep an eye on developments and heed recommendations. Late into the night, demonstrators kept showing up at Zero Point to wait for central leadership speeches while screaming anti-Israel and anti-US chants.