Hundreds of mosques across Karachi held absentee funeral prayers for Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent leader of the Palestinian resistance, as a tribute to his sacrifice and unwavering commitment. The prayers, attended by a large number of people, were led in various mosques by local Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leaders. JI Karachi Amir MunimZafar Khan led the prayers at Jamia Masjid Rizwan in Federal B Area, Block 14. In his address to the media after the prayers, MunemZafar Khan praised Haniya’s life, highlighting his dedication to the Palestinian cause, resistance, and jihad.
He condemned Israel’s continued aggression against Gaza and criticized the Muslim world’s leaders for failing to support the Palestinian struggle. “Israel and its allies believe they can suppress the Palestinian liberation movement, but for every martyr, thousands are ready to stand up,” Khan stated. He also noted the immense sacrifices made by Palestinians, including over 40,000 lives lost in the past ten months, as they fight for the liberation of Al-Quds (Jerusalem).
Khan emphasized that despite the destruction of Gaza, the spirit of freedom and the desire for martyrdom remain strong among the people of Gaza and Hamas fighters. He called on Muslim-majority countries, including Turkey, Egypt, and Arab states, to support the Palestinian cause.
“With over 2 billion Muslims and 58 countries with well-equipped armies, the Muslim world must ignite the spark of faith to deter Israel and its allies,” he asserted. Additionally, Khan announced that JI Karachi would begin a sit-in at Governor House starting August 3, protesting against load shedding, high electricity costs, anti-people agreements with independent power producers (IPPs), and oppressive taxes on the salaried class and traders.
The protest will commence with a march from Jamia Masjid Khizra in Saddar to Governor House at 5 PM, led by district leaders. This sit-in aligns with the solidarity shown in the Rawalpindi protest and aims to demand the abolition of unjust taxes in electricity bills, the termination of the oppressive slab system, the annulment of anti-people agreements with IPPs, and the introduction of taxes on landlords and the elite.
