What’s Behind the PMML's Anti-India Rally in Lahore? Unpacking the Demands for Hafiz Saeed's Release

Political Tensions Rise in Pakistan

Lahore: The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), a political faction linked to the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) led by Hafiz Saeed, organized an anti-India demonstration in Lahore, calling for his immediate release from incarceration.

Following the recent Pahalgam terror incident, the PMML has ramped up its activities nationwide, staging numerous protests against India.

Relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists.

In response, India has implemented a series of punitive actions against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari land border crossing, and a downgrade in diplomatic relations.

On Sunday, the PMML conducted a 'Kissan march' in Lahore to voice their opposition to India's recent actions.

Participants in the rally, which began on tractors and motorcycles along Lahore's Mall Road, faced a government ban on public gatherings. Nevertheless, the Punjab government, led by Maryam Nawaz, allowed the PMML event, which was spearheaded by Hafiz Talha Saeed, son of Hafiz Saeed.

Protesters displayed placards and banners denouncing Indian policies while expressing steadfast support for the Pakistan Army.

"We will not stay silent regarding the breach of the Indus Waters Treaty," stated PMML President Khalid Masood Sindhu during his speech to the crowd.

He referred to Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein" and committed to supporting initiatives aimed at its "liberation."

The PMML also reiterated its demand for Hafiz Saeed's release.

Saeed, who orchestrated the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has been sentenced to multiple years by Pakistan's anti-terrorism courts for various terrorism financing charges and has been incarcerated in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail since 2019. However, some reports indicate he may be residing in a "safe house."