Hawzah News Agency- In one of the largest religious and political gatherings in Pakistan's recent history, hundreds of thousands of mourners from across the country converged on the historic Minar-e-Pakistan ground in Lahore to honor the memory of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, and to reaffirm their commitment to his path and ideals.
Organized by Pakistani Shia organizations and institutions, the massive "Martyr of the Ummah" rally drew participants from all four provinces of Pakistan, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Caravans of mourners had been making their way toward Lahore for hours before the program commenced, with enormous crowds filling the venue and surrounding areas well ahead of the official start.
The gathering paid tribute to the political, religious, and intellectual legacy of the martyred Leader, while speakers addressed the challenges facing the Islamic Ummah, regional developments, and the future of the Muslim world.
Among the prominent figures in attendance were Hojatoleslam Raja Nasir Abbas Jafari, head of Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and opposition leader in the Pakistani Senate; Hojatoleslam Syed Jawad Naqvi, head of Tehreek-e-Bedari-e-Ummat-e-Mustafa; Siraj-ul-Haq, former emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan; and Khawaja Saad Rafique, former federal minister and senior leader of the ruling party. A host of other distinguished religious and political figures from both Shia and Sunni schools of thought also took part.
Organizers stressed that the central themes of the rally were the strengthening of national unity, solidarity among Islamic denominations, and addressing the shared concerns of the Muslim world. A joint declaration on the key issues raised was set to be issued at the conclusion of the event.
'We Follow Truth, Justice, and Resistance'
Addressing the sea of mourners, Muhandis Hamid, a member of Pakistan's National Assembly, declared: "We are followers of truth, justice, and resistance. Surrender to oppression and tyranny has no place whatsoever in our school of thought."
He stated that the martyred Leader, through his struggle, steadfastness, and leadership, demonstrated to the world how one can stand with dignity and resilience against arrogant and oppressive powers while defending the cause of truth.
"The martyred Leader, with his unparalleled courage and insight, challenged colonial and hegemonic powers. Relying on unwavering resolve and a thought system rooted in resistance, he confronted them with defeat and disgrace," Hamid added. "The struggles of the martyred Leader stand as a clear example of defending freedom, independence, and human values, proving that nations can withstand the pressures and threats of great powers by relying on faith and will."
'The Banner of Resistance Is Now in the Hands of the Supreme Leader'
Hojatoleslam Iqbal Beheshti, head of the School of Ahl al-Bayt in Pakistan, invoked the eternal message of Ashura and the Hussaini uprising, stating: "Today, the banner of steadfastness, resistance, and defense of truth is in the hands of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, who continues the path of dignity, freedom, and confrontation with oppression."
Pointing to recent developments in the region and the Muslim world, Beheshti said the great victories of the resistance front, described as a "Clear Victory," have unveiled many realities before global public opinion and drawn more people worldwide toward the truth and the ideals of justice.
"The sacrifices of the leaders and martyrs of the resistance front have sent a clear message to the free nations of the world, offering a practical model for struggling against oppression, defending national independence, and safeguarding human dignity," he added.
'The Ummah Must Recognize the Hussain and Yazid of Today'
In a powerful appeal, Beheshti urged the Islamic Ummah to draw inspiration from the Ashura uprising to sharpen its ability to distinguish truth from falsehood and to remain vigilant against the distortion of realities.
"Today, the duty of the Islamic Ummah is to correctly recognize the Hussain of the age and the Yazid of the age, and to maintain a clear and unambiguous boundary between truth and falsehood," he stated. "Many of the challenges and seditions of the present era stem from negligence toward this very truth."
He further cautioned that global Zionism has persistently sought to design and execute various plots against Muslim nations. Muslims, he said, must enhance their awareness and vigilance by accurately understanding the objectives and nature of these conspiracies, and preserve their unity and solidarity to defend the common interests of the Islamic Ummah and protect Muslim sanctities.
'The Secret of Standing Against Oppression Lies in "Allahu Akbar"'
Hojatoleslam Syed Hashim Mousavi, Friday prayer leader of Quetta, reflected on the thought and conduct of Imam Khomeini and the martyred Leader, stating that the core of their movement and struggles was faith in God and reliance on the great slogan of "Allahu Akbar."
"Imam Khomeini and the martyred Leader pursued the struggle for the liberation of Holy Quds and the confrontation with oppression and occupation based on this very divine belief, leaving behind great sacrifices and devotion along this path," Mousavi said.
He stressed that resistance against hegemonic powers is not merely a political stance but is rooted in faith, conviction, and trust in God – a principle that has consistently inspired free nations. "Today, the Iranian nation, relying on this very divine slogan and with a spirit brimming with steadfastness and endurance, continues to stand firm against the pressures and threats of bullying powers, remaining committed to its ideals and principled positions."
'The Islamic Ummah Stands United Against Arrogance and Colonialism'
Hojatoleslam Muhammad Amin Shahidi, head of Ummat-e-Wahida Pakistan, told the gathering that the primary objective of the massive rally was to convey the message of unity, resistance, and steadfastness of the Islamic Ummah to the world.
"This enormous gathering demonstrates that the Islamic Ummah stands united and resolute against the forces of tyranny, the global system of domination, and colonialist policies, and will not retreat from its ideals," Shahidi declared.
He added that the passionate participation of people from across Pakistan is clear testimony that Muslims share a common and unified stance in opposing oppression, aggression, and hegemonic policies. "The unity and solidarity of Muslims is the greatest asset of the Islamic Ummah in confronting the challenges ahead. By relying on this unity, Muslim nations can defend their rights, values, and sanctities and stand firm in the face of external pressures and conspiracies."
Cultural and Service Pavilions Set Up on Sidelines
Alongside the main rally, numerous pavilions were set up covering cultural, educational, informational, and public service domains to guide and serve the participants. The pavilions, aimed at deepening attendees' understanding of the objectives and messages of the gathering while providing essential services, were widely welcomed by the crowds.
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