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Thousands Rally In Lahore against Drone Strikes

by AFP
Arif Ali—AFP

Arif Ali—AFP

Protesting Defense of Pakistan Council demands suspension of NATO supply routes.

Thousands of people rallied in Lahore on Sunday to protest against continued U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan’s northwest.

Around 5,000 protesters chanted anti-U.S. slogans and called for an immediate end to drone strikes at the rally organized by the Defense of Pakistan Council, a coalition of around 40 religious and political parties. They also called for the suspension of NATO supplies for Afghanistan, which are transported through Pakistan.

Council chief Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, in a video address to the rally, claimed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had come under U.S. pressure and was not expected to play a positive role in stopping the drone strikes. He appealed to all political parties, religious scholars, and members of civil society to unite against the attacks. Council member Hafiz Saeed, leader of the proscribed Jamat-ud-Dawah, also called for unity against America.

Since 2004, the United States has carried out hundreds of drone attacks on suspected militants linked to Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Hundreds of civilians have died in the attacks, according to various estimates, prompting outrage both in Pakistan and abroad.

 

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2 comments

Matloob Ahmed December 2, 2013 - 6:05 pm

Whole nation supports this cause to put pressure on federal govt to take action against drone strikes of US.

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Hussain muhibby baltistani December 2, 2013 - 6:32 pm

Why DFC raise voice against suicide attacks on the 100% innocent citizens of Pakistan and why they support TTP, SSP LJ morrally, scholarly, financially?

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