Pakistan Jamaat Calls for Iran and Bangladesh to Join Mecca Pact

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Mr. Hafiz Naeem has called for Iran, Bangladesh and other Muslim countries to be included in the Mecca Joint Defence Pact. He said Palestine should be the first priority of such an initiative to ensure regional security.

He made the call while addressing thousands of people at a Gaza March organised by JI on Sunday, October 4. Mr. Hafiz Naeem said other Muslim countries should also be included in the pact. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the agreement on August 7.

He said Israeli attacks have continued in Gaza despite the ceasefire. He also alleged that Israel has not fully complied with the terms of the ceasefire and said the country continues to receive US support. The JI chief urged the Muslim Ummah to overcome sectarian, political and geographical divisions and stand with oppressed people in Palestine and Kashmir. He also called for unity in the common struggle by setting aside differences between Shias and Sunnis.

Mr. Naeem said the first week of October would be observed in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine. He added that the party would announce its next programme after October 7 as part of its ongoing movement against the petroleum levy, taxes and inflation.

Claiming that Israeli bombing has continued despite the ceasefire in Gaza, Mr. Naeem said large parts of the territory had been destroyed. He also alleged that Palestinians, including children, were being attacked in the West Bank. The JI chief said Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack had challenged Israel’s military capabilities. He claimed Israel’s subsequent military campaign had exposed its policies before the international community.

Describing Hamas’s fight as legitimate resistance, Mr. Naeem said the group had also played an important role in ceasefire negotiations. He called for greater efforts to secure freedom for Al-Aqsa Mosque. Mr. Naeem said Palestinian resistance had shown that determination and courage could challenge even a technologically superior military force. He said Muslim governments and armed forces have a responsibility to prevent further bloodshed in Palestine.

He also said the situation in Gaza had highlighted the need for greater unity among Islamic movements. He claimed that Palestinians had continued to support Hamas despite the war lasting for three years. The JI chief said that, with support from ordinary people, the party and its charity organisation Alkhidmat had sent relief worth 10 billion Pakistani rupees to Palestinians.