The “Fill the Jails Movement” in support of missing Shia Muslims has entered into second phase on Friday as Allama Syed Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi, deputy secretary general, Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen offered himself for arrest outside the Jamey Masjid Al Mustafa Abbas Town in Karachi after Friday prayers.
Thousands of supporters gathered to mark solidarity with Allama Ahmed Iqbal. Carrying placards, banners and portraits of the missing Shias, the demonstrators were chanting the slogans: Labbaik Ya Hussain (AS). They were also demanding immediate release of the Shia Muslims subjected to enforced disappearance.
Many other eminent figures were among those thousands who protesters who participated in the demonstration that was held before the arrest of Allama Ahmed Iqbal. Allama Mirza Yousuf Hussain, Maulana Dr Aqeel Moosa and some others also announced they would court their arrest in next phases of the Jail Bharo Tehreek. Representatives of human rights organizations and civil society also express solidarity with the legitimate cause of the missing Shias.
Speaking to the protesters before his arrest, Allama Ahmed Iqbal made it clear that Pakistani Shia Muslims were demanding their Constitutional rights and those fundamental human rights guaranteed in the Constitution and also recognized universally. He said that Shia Muslims believe in rule of law, peace, fraternity, unity of Pakistanis and their cohesion.
He said that it was inhuman, illegal and unconstitutional act that innocent Pakistani Shias have been subjected to enforced disappearances despite the fact that they never ever remained involved in any sort of anti-state activities as far as history is concerned. He said that Shia Muslims don’t want confrontation.
Allama Ahmed Iqbal said that all the missing Shias should be produced in courts of law if they are accused of anything otherwise it is also a legitimate demand of their heirs that they must be released forthwith.
He said that Shia Muslims were demanding no illegal favour but they were calling for their legal rights. He said that almost all Shia parties and leaders have joined this movement and all demand release of innocent Shia Muslims without any delay.
He announced that supporters of the missing Shias would continue to protest till these missing Shias get their legal and constitutional rights. He said that more leaders would offer themselves for arrest in the next phase.
(SHIITE-NEWS)
