KARACHI: For the third consecutive day on Friday, a wave of unity and patriotism swept across the province as political parties, lawyers, civil society organisations, labour unions, rights groups and students continued to rally in steadfast support of the country’s armed forces amid escalating tensions with India.

The Jamaat-i-Islami observed Friday as Youm-i-Azm [Day of Determination] across the province, as hundreds of demonstrations, walks and programmes were held in Karachi and other cities.

People from all walks of life participated in the demonstrations held outside mosques majorly after Friday’s prayers.

A large number of schools and other educational institutions organised walks and other events to mark Youm-i-Azm.

Speaking at one of the demonstrations outside a mosque at Lasbela Chowk, JI-Karachi chief Monem Zafar urged the nation to stay awake and united in the face of Indian adversaries. He said that internal and political differences don’t matter in the wake of national security issues.

Jamaat observes Youm-i-Azm across Sindh; GDA stages province-wide rallies; lawyers denounce Indian aggression

He said that humiliation had become the fate of India since the Hindutva fanatics took control of the country.

The JI leader said that Narendra Modi indulged entire India into a war mania.

In the pretext of a false flag operation India launched attacks against innocent Pakistani citizens, including women and children, he said, adding that the Pakistani forces in the aftermath downed half a dozen Indian warplanes, including the much-hyped Rafael.

GDA stages Tahaffuz-i-Pakistan rally

A rally titled “Tahaffuz-i-Pakistan” (Protection of Pakistan) was organised at the Karachi Press Club under the banner of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA).

Besides workers of parties in the GDA, a large number of workers belonging to various political and religious parties also participants in the rally.

Holding national flags and raising powerful slogans in support of the Pakistan Army while challenging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the participants demonstrated unity and patriotism.

GDA leaders Dr Safdar Abbasi and Sardar Abdul Rahim, Qari Usman of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, and MQM’s Adnan Khan spoke at the event.

Dr Safdar Abbasi said the nation is ready to make any sacrifice for the protection of the homeland. “If Modi dares to look at Pakistan with evil intent, we will gouge out both his eyes. The nation is prepared to wipe out his very existence. We stand with our armed forces and are ready to fight alongside them on every front,” he said.

JUI-F leader Qari Usman said that the Pakistani nation is united and stands firmly with the armed forces.

Lawyers denounce Indian aggression

On Friday, judicial proceedings remained suspended in the Sindh High Court, City Courts, and district Malir Courts in a show of solidarity with the armed forces and families of those martyred in the unprovoked Indian aggression.

The legal community held multiple rallies to express solidarity with the armed forces and families of those martyred in unprovoked Indian aggression.

On the call of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), lawyers across the metropolis boycotted the proceeding and did not appear before the court.

The Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) and the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) held separate meetings and passed resolutions condemning unprovoked attacks by India on innocent civilians.

“This blatant violation of international law and Pakistan’s sovereignty is an unacceptable act of aggression that undermines regional peace and stability,” the SHCBA resolution said.

It added that India must desist from further escalatory actions and engage in dialogue to resolve disputes in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

KBA President Aamir Nawaz Warraich also expressed similar sentiments in his address to a general body meeting, reiterating its support for the armed forces.

“This is a difficult time, and we stand with the armed forces for the defence of the country and we should set aside our personal differences,” president Warraich said.

Also on Friday, the Markazi Muslim League offered funeral prayers in absentia of those martyred in Indian strikes across the country.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2025