Rallies against blasphemous sketches

Karachi
The Jamaat-e-Islami, the Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan-Noorani staged separate rallies in the city on Sunday to protest against the publication of blasphemous sketches by a French satirical newsletter, Charlie Hebdo.
The JI staged a rally titled “Shan-e-Mustafa (PBUH) Million March” from Nipa Chowrangi to Hassan Square.
Speaking to its participants, JI chief Siraj-ul-Haq warned western countries to stop newspapers from publishing blasphemous material otherwise they would have to face dire consequences.
“I have contacted leaders of Islamic movements across the world including those in Malaysia, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Egypt and called for organising protest demonstrations against the sketches,” he added.
He appealed to the people of Karachi to continue protesting until France and other European countries were forced to apologise for the publication of the sketches.
JI deputy chief Asadullah Bhutto demanded that the government should immediately sever ties with France and the US and expel their diplomats from the country.
The JuD rally, titled “Hurmat-e-Rasool (PBUH) March”, was staged from Safari Park to Shahrah-e-Quaideen. Addressing the protesters, JUD chief Hafiz Saeed said western countries needed to take practical measures to stop the publication of blasphemous sketches and hate speech.
Saeed demanded immediate expulsion of the French ambassador in Pakistan and boycott of products from France.
He said if the United Nations was not serious in taking action against the publication of blasphemous material, Muslim rulers would consider making their own union.
The JUP-Noorani organised a rally on MA Jinnah Road. Its leader declared that the publication of blasphemous sketches was tantamount to committing an act of terrorism.
They too demanded that the government should end its ties with France and expel its diplomats.