The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran has drawn significant reactions from Pakistani leaders, who expressed profound sorrow and called for nationwide protests and actions against Israeli aggression.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed deep sorrow and regret over the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. "The JUI shares the grief of Ismail Haniyeh's family and the Palestinian people," he stated. He emphasized that the murder of Haniyeh would not end the Palestinian freedom movement and highlighted the spirit of martyrdom he observed in his meetings with Haniyeh.
"The sacrifices of his family will not go in vain," Maulana added. He also announced plans to present a resolution in the National Assembly to recognize Ismail Haniyeh's services, with similar resolutions to be presented in the Senate, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan assemblies.
Fazl also called for nationwide recitation of the Quran and prayers for Haniyeh in schools, madrassas and at homes. "There will be massive demonstrations against the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh and Israeli aggression across the country on Friday," he declared.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq strongly condemned the attack on Ismail Haniyeh, describing it as a "shameful example of brutality and aggression." He expressed deep sorrow over Haniyeh's death and condemned the attack as a violation of international laws and values.
"Ismail Haniyeh and his family's sacrifices in the freedom struggle are unforgettable, which will never go in vain," Sadiq said, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian government and people. "Ismail Haniyeh's sacrifices for the freedom of Palestine will always be remembered."
Mushahid Hussain Syed
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed mourned the loss of the "great warrior" Ismail Haniyeh and noted the historical context of two similar assassinations, referencing the deaths of Fatah leader Abu Jihad in 1988 in Tunis and Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin in Gaza in 2004.
Mushahid observed that Haniyeh's martyrdom had dealt a huge setback to the Palestinian liberation struggle, which would now intensify, and criticized Israeli actions as state terrorism.
"Netanyahu knows he is the biggest war criminal in the world. The day the Gaza war ends, it will be the political death of Netanyahu." Mushahid remarked, calling Haniyeh's killing a failure of the Iranian intelligence.
He further remarked that the fear of America and Israel should end, adding that Hamas had been resisting alone for eight months. "Israel has morally lost the war," he added. He further observed that only American can stop Israel.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman
In an interview with Samaa TV, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman condemned Israeli actions as "a terrible move" and criticized the silence of Muslim countries, which he argued strengthens Israel. He says there was no one to rein in Israel.
He called for a more proactive stance from the Muslim world and questioned the inaction of the 40-country Islamic military coalition. "From the condemnation statement, the time has come for action," Rehman urged, highlighting the need for concrete measures against Israeli aggression.
He then expressed condolences with the entire Muslim world.
Nationwide protests and condolences
In response to Haniyeh's martyrdom, Pakistani leaders have announced plans for nationwide protests on Friday. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, along with other political figures, called for massive demonstrations and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The leaders' statements reflect a broader call for action against what they describe as Israeli aggression and a reaffirmation of support for the Palestinian freedom movement.
