Thousands gathered on New MA Jinnah Road to attend the funeral prayer in absentia for Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar, led by former provincial Jamaat-e-Islami chief, Muhammad Hussain Mehnati. Thousands of people from across the city participated in the prayer, which was marked by passionate speeches and slogans against Israel. The crowd chanted, “Allah Akbar,” “Revolution,” “Death to Israel,” and “Your blood will bring revolution.”
The event was addressed by Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, including central vice-emir Dr. Usama Razi, Karachi emir Monem Zafar Khan, Hamas representative Khalid Qadumi, and Karachi secretary Taufeequddin Siddiqui. Many participants carried Palestinian flags and banners featuring the images of Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Al-Sinwar. Dr. Usama Razi, in his speech, demanded that Pakistan’s government take concrete steps against the ongoing Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
He called for Pakistan to pressure Egypt into opening the Rafah border for humanitarian aid and suggested that relations with Egypt be severed if the border is not opened. “If Spain’s deputy prime minister and Ireland’s prime minister can protest against Israel, why can’t Shehbaz Sharif?” he questioned, criticizing the lack of local government action against Israel. Monem Zafar Khan condemned Israel, the US, and the UK for their support of what he called Israeli terrorism in Palestine. He stated that no force can defeat the spirit of resistance and martyrdom in Gaza.
“The mothers, sisters, and children of Gaza and Palestine stand as pillars of resolve, and the spirit of jihad lives on in the hearts of Hamas fighters,” he said. He also accused world powers of turning a blind eye to Israel’s actions while aiding it with billions in military support. Hamas spokesperson Khalid Qadumi praised the life and sacrifice of Yahya Al-Sinwar, describing him as a beacon of resistance. “The sacrifices of martyrs like Al-Sinwar are the beginning of the journey towards peace and freedom,” Qadumi said. He emphasized that Yahya Al-Sinwar’s unwavering dedication to the liberation of Palestine would inspire future generations. He also stressed that the blood of martyrs like Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Yahya Al-Sinwar will not go in vain and will ultimately lead to the liberation of Al-Aqsa and Palestine. Throughout the event, participants expressed their solidarity with the people of Gaza, honoring the sacrifices of Palestinians who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
