lahore-protest-reut-670
Students shout slogans during a demonstration against an anti-Islam film in Lahore, Sept 28, 2012. — Photo by Reuters

KARACHI: Thousands of people thronged the streets of Karachi on Saturday in the latest protest against an anti-Islam film, police and witnesses said.

The protesters, who included activists from the 'Sunni Tehreek', wore green and white headbands as they marched through the city's main M.A. Jinnah road while some trampled on the American flag.

They chanted slogans including “Hang the American film maker” and “We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the honour of Prophet Mohammad”.

“We strongly condemn this anti-Islam movie, it is a criminal act,” Mufti Muneebur Rehman, a prominent religious leader told the rally, and called for a global ban on insulting “all prophets and messengers”.

Shafiq Ahmad, a senior police officer in Karachi, said there were “at least 15,000” protesters while rally organisers claimed “millions of people” participated.

Police beefed up security before the rally, while paramilitary forces were also deployed.

The crudely-made “Innocence of Muslims” movie has sparked angry and at times violent demonstrations across the globe.

Pakistan experienced the worst of the violence last Friday when nationwide rallies mobilised more than 45,000, many members of right-wing religious parties.

At least 21 people were killed and 229 wounded, mainly in clashes with police.

Opinion

Editorial

PTI in disarray
Updated 30 Nov, 2024

PTI in disarray

PTI’s protest plans came abruptly undone because key decisions were swayed by personal ambitions rather than political wisdom and restraint.
Tired tactics
30 Nov, 2024

Tired tactics

Matiullah's arrest appears to be a case of the state’s overzealous and misplaced application of the law.
Smog struggle
30 Nov, 2024

Smog struggle

AS smog continues to shroud parts of Pakistan, an Ipsos survey highlights the scope of this environmental hazard....
Solidarity with Palestine
Updated 29 Nov, 2024

Solidarity with Palestine

The wretched of the earth see in the Palestinian struggle against Israel a mirror of themselves.
Little relief for public
29 Nov, 2024

Little relief for public

INFLATION, the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services over a given period of time, has receded...
Right to education
29 Nov, 2024

Right to education

IT is troubling to learn that over 16,500 students of the University of Karachi (KU) have defaulted on fee payments...