On Ashura, Khawaja Asif Calls for Muslim Responsibility Over Gaza Crisis

Sialkot: Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has drawn a parallel between the current situation in Gaza and the historic tragedy of Karbala, urging that urgent action is needed to end the ongoing suffering.

Speaking to the media, Khawaja Asif described Karbala as a profound lesson in sacrifice, where the honor and dignity of Islam were defended by the Prophet’s family, who were ultimately left isolated on the battlefield. He lamented that today’s Muslim world remains silent in the face of a similar tragedy, as over 70,000 Muslim men and children have been martyred in Gaza, yet none of the 58 Islamic countries have witnessed significant protests.

He called on the ruling elite to take responsibility, noting that while they watch the devastating scenes unfold on television daily, decisive measures are lacking. Despite millions worldwide showing solidarity with Gaza, such public demonstrations are absent in Islamic nations, including Pakistan.

On the occasion of Ashura, Khawaja Asif urged Muslims to reflect on the lessons of the past and the grim realities of the present. He stressed that the defense of Islam is currently being carried out by outsiders rather than Muslims themselves. Although there are some voices of support from Pakistan and other Muslim countries, the majority of the 1.5 billion Muslims remain passive due to political expediency.

He highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, where children and elderly Palestinians stand in hunger-stricken queues, often targeted by gunfire. The Defense Minister warned that on the Day of Judgment, the people of Gaza will question why, despite following the traditions of the Prophet’s grandson, the wider Muslim community failed to stand with them.

He also condemned the restrictions imposed in occupied Kashmir on Ashura, calling it evidence of the anti-Islamic policies of India’s leadership.

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