Civil society protests against attacks on Paris

Lahore : Civil society members and activists gathered at Charing Cross,the Mall, Lahore today evening to register their protest against the heinous attacks on Paris and show solidarity to the people of France at this tragic time.

The protesters condemned the atrocity committed by the ISIS which has claimed responsibility of carrying out the brutal crime against the people of Paris. They said the attacks in Paris are attacks against humanity and human values. The people of Paris are not alone. The whole world peace loving people is with them. The ISIS is a brutal group of extremists. The entire Muslim community condemns terrorism, rejects ISIS, its extremist viewpoint and all its activities.

They further said Pakistan itself has been a victim of terrorism for the last many years. It has sacrificed more than 80,000 innocent lives while fighting against the extremist elements and widespread terrorism.

Speaking on the occasion, President Civil Society Network, Advocate Abdullah Malik urged the whole world to get united against this atrocious act, terrorist and extremist groups and terrorism in all forms. He said, “Only through mutual and concerted efforts the world can eliminate extremist thoughts which have been creating havoc across the world frequently. We assure the people of France that they are not alone at this hour of grief. We are with them and we will be with them until the scourge of terrorism entirely ends.”

A large number of activists, civil society members, journalists, intellectuals, lawyers, teachers, students and people from every walk of life participated in the protest. The participants held placards and raised slogans in favour of peace, the people of Paris and against terrorism: Say no to terrorism, We are with Paris, Paris is not alone, Terrorism has no religion & boundaries, We hate ISIS.

The protest was preceded by a candle vigil in commemoration of the martyrs in Paris attacks.The participants also prayed for the world peace and prosperity.