In observance of World Hijab Day, a large gathering of women participated in a march organized by the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami at Karachi Press Club on Wednesday. The event saw the participation of women from various sectors, including lawyers, journalists, and representatives of NGOs, all holding banners and placards promoting Islamic values, the importance of family, and the right of women to wear the hijab.
Addressing the participants, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, Munim Zafar Khan, stated that women march represents the voice of all women in Karachi. He emphasized that the hijab is an integral part of their culture and identity, asserting that no one has the right to impose Western values and culture on them. He highlighted the importance of modesty in Islam and criticized the West for looking down upon the hijab. He praised the women for keeping alive the memory of Marwa El-Sherbini, who was martyred in Germany 15 years ago for wearing the hijab. Munim Zafar Khan further criticized the government’s failure to protect women’s rights, especially those working in industries under the contract system, and the lack of dignified transport facilities in Karachi. He demanded that the government ensure the provision of necessary facilities and dignified transport for women working in industries. Nazima Karachi, Jawedan Faheem, in her speech, condemned the Western colonial powers for targeting the honor of the Prophet (PBUH), the family system, and the hijab.
She stressed that hijab is not just a piece of cloth but represents the collective attitude of society. She warned that Western powers aim to destroy their society through the media and called on the government to fulfill its responsibilities. Faheem also presented scarves as gifts to the women journalists.
