Pakistani Religio-Political Party Announces Nationwide Strike Over Gaza on April 22
April 14, 2025
Pakistani Religio-Political Party Announces Nationwide Strike Over Gaza on April 22
Lahore – April 14, 2025:
A major religio-political party in Pakistan has announced a nationwide strike scheduled for April 22, 2025, to protest against the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. The call for a countrywide shutdown comes amid increasing public anger in Pakistan over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory.
The announcement was made by the leadership of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), one of the country’s most influential religious parties, during a press conference held in Lahore. Party leaders stated that the strike would include shutter-down protests, rallies, and public gatherings in all major cities, with the aim of sending a clear message to the international community and Pakistan’s own government.
“We cannot remain silent while innocent lives are being lost in Gaza,” said JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman. “This is not just a political issue, it is a matter of human conscience. The people of Pakistan stand with their Palestinian brothers and sisters.”
According to the party, the strike is also intended to pressure the government of Pakistan to take a stronger diplomatic stance against Israel and to demand immediate action from international organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Over the past few months, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have intensified, with reports of mounting civilian casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and a worsening humanitarian situation. International aid agencies have warned of an impending famine in Gaza due to the blockade and restricted access to food, water, and medical supplies.
Jamaat-e-Islami has been vocal on the issue, organizing multiple rallies and protests since the conflict escalated. This latest move to call a nationwide strike marks an escalation in their campaign and reflects the broader sentiment among many Pakistanis who have taken to the streets in recent weeks to condemn Israel's actions.
Government Response
In response to the strike announcement, officials in Islamabad have urged restraint and emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry stated that while the government respects the right to protest, it is essential that all activities remain peaceful and do not disrupt law and order.
“The government is monitoring the situation closely and is in contact with religious and political leaders to ensure that public safety is not compromised,” the spokesperson said.
Security arrangements are expected to be tightened in key urban centers such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar ahead of the planned strike. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain public order and prevent any untoward incidents.
Public Reaction
On social media, the announcement has drawn a mixed response. While many users expressed support for the strike and praised the party for taking a stand, others questioned whether a shutdown would have any tangible impact on the Gaza crisis or might instead hurt the local economy.
However, many civil society activists and student groups have also declared their support for the strike and plan to participate in peaceful rallies and awareness campaigns on the day.
International Context
The situation in Gaza remains critical. The international community has so far failed to broker a lasting ceasefire, and peace talks have stalled. The United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned the violence and called for an immediate end to hostilities, but efforts have yielded little progress.
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, has consistently voiced its support for the Palestinian cause. The upcoming strike is expected to further amplify calls for international action and highlight the role that public mobilization can play in global solidarity movements.
As the April 22 date approaches, all eyes will be on how the strike unfolds and what message it sends — both within Pakistan and beyond its borders.
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