By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Demonstrations were held across Dera Ismail Khan in response to an incident in India where a Muslim woman’s hijab was forcibly removed. University students, faculty, and staff participated in a protest organised under the directives of Agricultural University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shakeebullah.
Separately, civil society and the local traders’ community, led by Chaudhry Jameel Ahmed and Shareef Chauhan, staged a protest near Choghla in Dera city, burning an effigy of the Indian minister allegedly involved in the incident.
Participants carried banners condemning Islamophobia, religious intolerance, the humiliation of women, and violations of fundamental human rights. Speakers described the incident in Bihar as a blatant attack on women’s dignity, religious freedom, and basic human rights, highlighting a growing climate of intolerance toward minorities in India.
Protesters called for the international community and human rights organizations to take notice and ensure protection of religious sentiments and women’s rights. The demonstrations remained peaceful, with participants reaffirming the importance of religious freedom, respect for women, and accountability for those responsible.
