Palestinians need empathy, not just sympathy, disabled people tell politicians, establishment
KARACHI, May 26 (SABAH): Hundreds of disabled people in Karachi assembled at main Rashid Minhas Road to express their resolve against genocide in Gaza by Israel and they demanded of those in the corridors of powers to act decisively against the genocide in Gaza.
The protest demonstration was hosted by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi, on Sunday. A large number of people with disabilities participated in the protest demonstration. JI leaders, elected representatives, and disabled leaders addressed the protest demonstration. Two members, from the Disabled Welfare Association, were transcribing the speeches into sign language for the audience.
The protestors were carrying placards and banners, inscribed with their demands and symbols, chanted slogans against Israel and her allied forces.
JI Karachi Public Aid Committee Chairman Saifuddin Advocate delivered the keynote address. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the demonstration by disabled people today in Karachi was a slap on the face of those who did nothing for Gaza despite having resources and might. He said that the resistance by Hamas against Israeli aggression has unmasked the Muslim rulers in Pakistan and other parts of the world. He added that the freedom fighters in Gaza have been fighting for the freedom of Qibla-e-Awal and Palestine on behalf of the entire Umma.
He hailed the participants of the protest and told them that a disabled person — Shaikh Ahmed Yaseen — had founded the resistance movement in Palestine entitled Hamas. He went on to say that the disabled people who demonstrated against Israel are the most powerful and brave people on the face of this earth, whereas those having all the resources and might but they could do nothing against the genocide are in fact disabled.
Gulshan Town Chairman Dr. Fawad Ahmed in his address shed light on the role of Karachi and Karachiites for the Muslim world. He also hailed the disabled people for showing their resolve and velour. He said that the today’s protest has propagated a message across the world that the people of conscience are on the support of Palestinians against Israeli brutalities and demand an end to the genocide in Gaza.
Gulshan Town Councilor Dr Rahat — himself a visually impaired person — questioned the national authorities over their unfortunate role of silent spectators. No one across the Muslim world responded to Israeli bombs with bombs, he said and asked; when will our military might be used for the innocent people of Gaza, facing genocide. Who will honor the United Nations conventions for rights, he asked.
Disabled Welfare Association President Rehan and Vice President Hussain Ali also addressed the event. They reminded the global conscience that it was an obligation for the global community — each and every one of us to standup for the people of Gaza.