MWM coordinators Allama Ijaz Bhahishti, Allama Mohammad Hussain Mobalighi and Allama Faraz Naqvi condemned the Lahore and Quetta attacks and urged the government to take stern action against the terrorists. - Photo by AFP.

ISLAMABAD A protest demonstration was held against the Lahore and Quetta killings here on Sunday.

The protest and sit-in were held outside the National Press Club on the call of Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) and the Imamia Student Organisation (ISO).

The protesters, including women and children, chanted slogans against US, Israel and the local banned parties, demanding immediate arrest of those involved in the killing of innocent people.

Speakers on the occasion said those who had attacked the faithful in Lahore and the participants of the Quetta rally held against the Israeli occupation of holy lands were stooges of Israel and part of the greater oppressors' regime.

MWM coordinators Allama Ijaz Bhahishti, Allama Mohammad Hussain Mobalighi and Allama Faraz Naqvi condemned the Lahore and Quetta attacks and urged the government to take stern action against the terrorists.

They demanded that the government should arrest the culprits and their leaders and award them exemplary punishment. They said attacking the participants of an anti-Israel rally should be considered as a handiwork of the Israeli lobby.

“We demand immediate sacking of the inspector general (IG) Balochistan for his incompetence and failure to protect the innocent citizens despite reports of terror attacks,” said Allama Faraz Naqvi, adding “Similarly, the Punjab government should remove Minister Rana Sanaullah whose links with terrorists have been proven several times.”

ISO Rawalpindi/Islamabad division president Taqi Haider said an independent judicial inquiry should be conducted into both the incidents.

He condemned the alleged involvement of security forces in shooting the demonstrators. He said involvement of the US in Pakistani affairs was the basis of all evils.

Meanwhile, Murtaza Poya, an MWM leader, criticised Interior Minister Rehman Malik's statement that religious processions should be restricted to limited spots only. Mr Poya said it was against basic human rights.

“Instead of restricting the processions, the government should talk of its failure to protect the lives of the citizens.” He asked the minister to refrain from issuing such statements in future.