On 19 November, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) a political party in Pakistan called for a protest against Israel's bombing of Palestinians in Gaza, drawing tens of thousands of protesters to the eastern city of Lahore. JI staged a large-scale gathering earlier in November in Islamabad, the nation's capital, and the port city of Karachi. Women and children among the supporters marched for several kilometers (miles) to get to the rally site, carrying banners and posters with pro-Palestinian, anti-Israeli, and anti-American slogans. According to JI chief Senator Siraj-ul-Haq, the continuous protests around the world in favour of Palestinians awaken international governments and give voice to the voiceless. He stated that Muslim rulers must stand up and break the aggressor's hand because the Organization for Islamic Cooperation's statements and resolutions will not be effective.

Highlights of the rally
One of the largest gatherings in Pakistan since 7 October is thought to have been arranged by JI, in the country. While security officials believed that the event drew closer to 50,000 people, organizers claimed that over 100,000 people participated. Women and children among the demonstrators flocked to Canal Road, close to Punjab University, and marched towards Kalma Square while brandishing tri-colour Palestinian flags and donning headbands and armbands with the words "Labbaik ya Gaza" (We are here, Gaza) imprinted on them.

In addition to calling for jihad, or holy war, the agitated crowd chanted anti-Israeli and anti-American slogans. The phrases "Palestine will be free," "Down with Israel," and "Stop genocide against Palestinians" were written on banners and posters that protesters were carrying. Thousands of people yelled "Labbaik, Labbaik, Labbaik ya Gaza" in unison as leaders of JI. JI chief Siraj-ul-Haq, created a hand-chain to show support for Palestinians while wearing a "keffiyeh" scarf. Haq denounced the "world's silence" on Israel's bombing of Gaza's civilian infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, claiming that despite its "brutalities and the support of world governments," Tel Aviv has been unable to force Palestinians into slavery. He stated, "At a time when the West is openly supporting Israeli aggression while Muslim rulers are tacitly supporting it, I thank the people of Washington and London for coming out in their hundreds of thousands to support Palestinians.”

Pakistan and Palestine, an Islamic sentiment
According to an editorial in Dawn, titled, “Why we should care,” Since 1948, Pakistan has maintained a consistent official stance on the Palestinian issue. Though there have been rumours lately of warming toward Israel, though nothing concrete has been established. This consistency can be partially explained by Pakistan's political and cultural spectrum's unanimity in support of Palestine. Additionally, there is historical continuity between several points of agreement throughout this country's history. Support for Palestine in Pakistani society is mostly derived from Muslim religious and cultural affiliations as well as pan-Islamic nationalism ideas. The attitude can be best described as empathy for a minority of Muslims who are subject to oppression. Despite differing interpretations, the result of mutual support among many groups highlights a more fundamental aspect of the Palestinian struggle as a common apprehension about injustice and oppression. As Pakistanis express their common concern for the Palestinian people through lucid and straightforward interpretations of injustice, this should act as a springboard for further empathy-building.

A unanimous stance
On 20 November, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony, unequivocally declared that Pakistan will not and cannot modify its stance on Palestine. In response to recent Israeli atrocities, he added, two consignments of humanitarian supplies have been given to the Palestinian people. He also claimed that the civilian and military leadership has now decided to double this help.
Meanwhile, in a statement, President Dr. Arif Alvi said that he had discussed a "one-state solution" to the problem over the phone with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president. He added, “If a state solution was not acceptable to Israel, then a state solution was the only way where Jews, Muslims and [a] good percentage of Christians could live to exercise equal political rights.”  

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir stated, “The Palestinian people have unequivocal diplomatic, moral and political support of the Pakistani nation and we will continue to support the principled stance of our brethren for enduring resolution of the Palestinian issue and end to the unlawful occupation of their territories and Muslims’ sacred places.”

PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif upon his return condemned Israel’s aggression over Palestinians. He stated, “Depriving them of their right and giving it to someone else is wrong and Pakistan will never accept it.” He further added that Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and supports an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters.”

References
“Tens of thousands of religious party supporters rally in Pakistan against Israel’s bombing in Gaza,” AP news, 20 November 2023
“Pakistan’s policy on Palestine cannot change: Tahir Ashrafi,” Dawn, 20 November 2023