Pakistani Jihadist Organization Jamaatud Dawa/Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Reappears on Internet, Promotes Antisemitism and Jihad, Leads Mass Protests Against America and India

On January 22, 2012, participants wave Jamaatud Dawa flags at a Defense of Pakistan rally

Introduction

Following the November 26, 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, the Pakistani government banned various Pakistani terror organizations, among them Jamaatud Dawa, the charity arm of the leading jihadist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Both the Jamaatud Dawa and LeT – along with various groups associated with them and their leaders – have been outlawed by the UN Security Council. Later, the group renamed itself Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.[1] After the Pakistani ban, the websites of Jamaatud Dawa and its associated publications were closed down. However, the organization is making a comeback on the Internet via its websites and the video-sharing site YouTube. Jamaatud Dawa is led by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, who is wanted in India for masterminding the Mumbai terror attacks.

On January 3, 2012, the organization registered a website, representing a newly established group called Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC, or the Defense of Pakistan Council). This group has stepped up a public campaign against the U.S., India, Israel and other countries. The DPC's formation was triggered by two important developments: one, the November 26, 2011 NATO air raid on a Pakistani border post in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed; and two, the Pakistani government's decision to boost bilateral trade with India by granting the status of Most Favored Nation (MFN) to India as required under international trade laws.

The DPC is presented as an independent group, but the lead coordinator of its public events is Jamaatud Dawa, whose members can be seen in large number waving its flags at public rallies in various Pakistani towns, at which leaders of like-minded ideological groups such as Jaamat-e-Islami Pakistan also deliver fiery messages against the U.S., India and Israel. In recent months, the DPC has held press conferences and public rallies attended by hundreds of thousands of people.

Banners at the DPC's public rallies carry slogans like: "Defense of Pakistan – Jihad in the Path of Allah."[2] The DPC's key leaders include Hafiz Muhammad Saeed; Maulana Samiul Haq (Emir of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party and former Pakistani senator, who is known as the father of the Taliban); Lt.-Gen. (retired) Hamid Gul, the former chief of Pakistani military's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI); senior Pakistani politician and former federal minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed; and others.

Domain Name Details

Front Organization Difa-e-Pakistan Council's Appearance on the Internet

Difa-e-Pakistan Council is emerging as a major front organization for Jamaatud Dawa and Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to a domain name search, www.difaepakistan.com (the website of Difa-e-Pakistan Council) was registered on January 3 of this year and is hosted by a U.S.-based company. As per the domain name details cited in the image below, the domain has been registered by one Muhammad Ali, who gives his address as: "3rd Floor, Lucky Palace, Near S. M. Law College, Karachi, NA 75950, Pakistan, Phone + 923219235365 email: Difayepakistan@gmail.com."[3]

The website is hosted in the U.S. by: "iPage Hosting, K. L. Peterson, 70 Blanchard Road, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, United States, Phone +1 8774724399, Fax +17812726550 Email: blank@ipage.com."[4]

Ideological Orientation

Difa-e-Pakistan Council: "It's the U.S.'s Desire to Leave India in a Position Where It Can Dominate the Region and Serve the Interests of Zionist Controlled World"

Jihadist leader Hafiz Muhammad Saeed is the key leader of Difa-e-Pakistan Council

On its "About Us" page, the website of Difa-e-Pakistan Council states its objectives:[5] "A conspiracy was hatched to grant India the status of 'Most Favored Nation' by the Government of Pakistan recently in 2011. A nation which blabbers itself as shining indeed has the bleakest face ever to be seen on the face of the earth.

"Who else can be more witness to Indian atrocities more than the Pakistani nation itself? Millions were slaughtered on their way to the new home [of Pakistan] following seizure of [the] princely states of Hyderabad, Junagadh during [the] partition [of 1947]. The heart-wrenching tales from Occupied Kashmir, where hundreds and thousands are barbarically killed and thousands of women are raped till date remains in the clutches of Indian Imperialism. Arsons and genocide in [Indian towns of] Gujarat – Ahmedabad and thousands more incidents of violence against Muslims and their sacred places is what paints the true Indian picture. It's not only what India has done within her own so-called 'borders'; we have to also take in[to] account its proxies in [Pakistan's] Baluchistan and N.W.F.P [North West Frontier Province, now called Khyber Pakhtunkhwa] which has resulted in impeccable violence.

"Most recently, since the occupation of Afghanistan, India found itself in a position where it can give strength to its 'Cold Start' Doctrine which was openly acknowledged by its Army-Chief few years ago. We owe a debt to India for numerous bomb attacks within Pakistan, especially in the Masajids [mosques] and sacred places which it used to create divisions and entice sectarian conflicts [in Pakistan]. Open funding and provisions of weapons to anti-state elements in Pakistan by India has its own factual history.

"Even today this [Pakistan-India] 'trade drive' is nothing but, again, a similar strategy to weaken Pakistan economically and save the sinking Indian economy after the world wide recession and suffocating capitalism. India needs a consumer market in our shape [i.e. in Pakistan], which has extreme negative connotations attached. Apart from[the] economic aspect there are serious strategic implications involved, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan after a decade of brutal occupation. It's the U.S.'s desire to leave India in a position where it can dominate the region and serve the interests of Zionist Controlled world, if not only U.S."

Difa-e-Pakistan Council: "We Witnessed the Most Direct Assault on Our Valiant Armed Forces… 24 of Our Men Were Martyred Deliberately By the Occupation Forces in Afghanistan Led by United States"

"Therefore this was the right time, when [the] people of Pakistan woke up to the occasion and under the chairmanship of Maulana Samiul Haq and Professor Hafiz Saeed; [and] a magnanimous movement was launched which also saw [former Inter-Services Intelligence chief] General Hamid Gul, [Pakistani politician] Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed and many more renowned leaders as its pioneers, and many more joining each day for a legitimate and non-political cause which [is] only envisioned to defend Pakistan on all fronts, as this remains a moral and religious duty. Pakistan faces dangers on all fronts, during the formation of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council [a] few months ago in the end of year 2011, we witnessed the most direct assault on our valiant armed forces in Salala [i.e. the November 26, 2011 NATO air raid that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers]. Twenty-four of our men were martyred deliberately by the occupation forces in Afghanistan led by United States.

"A dithering relationship [with America] that was wrong by all means from the starting of this controversial war started breathing its last when COAS [Chief of Army Staff] Gen. Kayani by respecting the sentiments of the whole nation blocked the NATO supplies passing through Pakistan and asked our forces to respond without any consent on any further incursion on our borders.

"This spectacular decision was aligned with national dignity and honor. DPC channeled the emotions of the people in oath-taking for the Defense of Pakistan, by forgetting all sectarian, political and ethnic differences, and invited people of Pakistan, in fact all representatives in the political and religious arena, on 18th December 2011.

"The world saw the most enormous gathering ever in the history of Pakistan when 40-plus [religious and political] entities poured into Minto Park [in Lahore, for the DPC rally of December 18, 2011] vowing to defend the nation from U.S. and Indian aggression, leaving no confusion in the mind of those who consider Pakistan easily digestible, and it was easy to fathom the consequences of engaging Pakistan in any misled war on any front.

"The DPC continues to join hearts and minds throughout Pakistan by arranging 'Difa-e-Pakistan Conferences' similar to the one in Lahore. The unending journey continues till its logical end – that is, to live with dignity and, if need be, die with honor."

Hafiz Muhammad Saeed Explains Distinction Between Muslims and Infidels: "It's the Faith that Distinguishes a Muslim from a Kafir [Infidel]…. The Real Fault Is That Today's Muslims… Commit the Same Errors That a Jew Will Commit"

In a speech in five parts available on YouTube, Jamaatud Dawa Emir Hafiz Muhammad Saeed clarifies the theological distinction between Muslims and infidels, arguing that to believe in the god of Muslims is to differentiate oneself from members of other faiths, and that only then Allah will accept prayers, fasting, Hajj and jihad waged by Muslims. He states:

"Today's Muslims accept Allah [i.e. deity/god] in the same way as non-Muslims think of Allah. However, the meaning of being a Muslim is different. The fundamental difference between them is that of faith. What is that thing which differentiates one from a Crusader [i.e. Christian], a Jew, a Hindu – whether a person is a Muslim or not? It is the faith that distinguishes a Muslim from a Kafir [infidel]…. The real fault is that today's Muslims, despite believing in Allah, commit the same errors that a Jew will commit, that a Christian will commit; the lacuna which exists in the faith of Hindus will be reflected among today's Muslims too…."[6]

"It is necessary to eradicate this error, to reform it. Addressing the prophet, peace be upon him, Allah says in the Koran: 'O my prophet, ask them, who is the creator of the sky and the earth, they say Allah…. [but there are distinctions].' All people of Mecca who opposed the prophet, rejected Islam, meted out punishments to Muslims, committed oppositions, waged wars against Islam, they too used to accept Allah… There is no conflict on the issue [of believing in a deity]; then what is the conflict/difference? Allah is Great. The Koran has clarified this issue.

"There is a need again today to clarify this issue. My brothers, when our faith will be correct on Allah, [our] relationship with Allah will be rectified on the basis of that faith, it will make such a difference that – cut off from the Hindu, the Jew, the Crusader – such a relationship with Allah will be established that one will be cut off from all the rest, may turn the face away from all of them… Hindu too accepts Allah and along with him many other deities worships 30 million gods; the crusader [i.e. Christian] accepts Allah but also believes in three gods [trinity].[7]

"My dear brothers, the Koran clarified this distinction extensively… the verses of the Koran which were revealed in Mecca, their main subject was introduction of Allah, identity of Allah, you might be amazed that during 13 years only one issue was discussed [in Koran]; the rest of issues were discussed in the verses revealed in Medina [after the Prophet moved from Mecca]…. Oh humans, recognize your Allah, do not make mistake in that Allah's identity be true, that your faith in Allah is correct; do not make this mistake, if you commit a mistake in this; everything will go wrong, your prayers, your fast, your Hajj, your jihad…."[8]

Hafiz Muhammad Saeed: "The Biggest Issue is to Have Faith In Allah, But Not Like How the Hindus did, Not Like How the Christians Did, Not Like How the Jews Did; After the End of Jew-ism, After the End of Christianity, After the End of Obscenity… Islam will Rule the World"

"To clarify this difference, Allah revealed a verse: 'The distinction between Islam and Kufr [the practice of infidels] will be seen from their prayers, whether the prayer is for Allah or non-Allah… If you want to worship many gods, to accept many gods, bow before them, seek from them, then your religion is yours, my religion is mine.' What is my religion? This is the fundamental difference for which I have come, [said] the Prophet and never compromised on this matter, the prophet never agreed to abandon his any belief or basis on this matter. My brothers, this is not the way of Koran, not the way of Islam to accept all [deities] as true. Remember fully, when there is opposition, the principle is when there is opposition one will have to accept what is right, what is wrong; the Koran has explained what is right and what is wrong…."[9]

"Therefore, the biggest issue is to have faith on Allah, but not like the way Hindus did, not like the way Christians did, not like the way Jews did, not like the way the infidels did. Then, how do you believe in Allah? [Believe in Allah like] the prophets did; from Adam peace be upon him, from Abraham peace be upon him, from Moses peace be upon him, to the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, the way all the prophets conveyed the message of faith in Allah, the way the revealed books explained the unity of god, the way the Koran clarified the faith in Allah, we have to accept that way. We do not have to accept like the way Hindus did. This is from where the reform will begin…."[10]

"The nations that eat pig are on the path of extreme shamelessness. Every obscenity and shamelessness is spreading in the world through them. This is a culture, formally. The Prophet Muhammad said: Jesus [when he rises] will murder the pig, will end the pig, the culture of pig and everything like this. And after the success of this jihad [against the culture of pig], after the end of Jew-ism, after the end of Christianity, after the end of obscenity and irreligiousness, Islam will rule the world…."[11]

"The Prophet [Muhammad] connected this jihad to the Jihad in Hind [India] against the Hindu so that the greatness of this jihad [against this culture of pigs] could be evident. And what is the reason for jihad? The reason is shirk [idolatry, i.e. believing in numerous gods or sharing others in the entity of Allah] by Hindus who are the biggest representatives of shirk right from the ancient age…. [The prophet] said that the one who waged jihad in Hind that jihad will be superior. [The Prophet's companion] Abu Huraira narrated: The prophet of Allah explained so much greatness of jihad in Hind, jihad against the Hindu, that – o people remember – if the door opened for this jihad there in my lifetime, then Abu Huraira will run to participate in that jihad… And if Allah granted me martyrdom, I will not be a martyr like others, but among the Greatest Martyrs…."[12]

Jihadist Activities Online

Jamaatud Dawa's Reappearance on YouTube and Facebook: "Islam will Dominate the World; All These Conspiracy Hatchers – the Jews, the Crusaders, and the Hindus Who Have Joined Hands With Them – All of These Enemies of Allah Will Meet with Defeat"

At Lahore conference on December 18, 2011, a Difa-e-Pakistan Council banner reads in Urdu: "Defense of Pakistan – Jihad in the Path of Allah"

Following the Pakistani government's ban on the literature and websites of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaatud Dawa, and associated organizations, the jihadist organization reappeared, after a short hiatus, on the Internet, networking through social sites like Facebook and publishing its messages and videos through the video-sharing website YouTube.

A Jamaatud Dawa channel was created by a YouTube user: jamatdawakhi, which denotes Jamaatud Dawa Karachi.[13] Over the past year, a number of Jamaatud Dawa videos have been published on this YouTube channel. A promotional video for the upcoming February 12, 2012 Difa-e-Pakistan Conference in Karachi shows a collage of images of U.S. helicopters being shot down in Afghanistan, killings of civilians in security operations, jihadist fighters on horseback on the battlefield, Indian soldiers harassing Kashmiris, anti-India protests by Kashmiris, etc.[14]

A number of the Jamaatud Dawa videos are clips from various Pakistani channels reporting on its activities. The Jamaatud Dawa YouTube channel also publishes a number of videos on charity works organized by the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), a front organization for the LeT and its associated groups. These videos show Hafiz Muhammad Saeed visiting a flood relief camp in Sindh, the sacrifice of camels on the occasion of Eid al-Adha (feast of sacrifice), and the collection of donations for flood relief by Jamaatud Dawa members working under the FIF banner. In one of the videos, posted by it on August 11, 2011, its own defense analyst Dr. Abu Waqas appears to be celebrating the Taliban and Al-Qaeda attacks on the U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, particularly praising the superior organization and tactics used by the mujahideen.[15]

In a video posted on the YouTube channel, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed addressed a clerics' conference in April 2011 on the issue of defending the Harmain Sharifain, the Holy Mosques of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad respectively, in Mecca and Medina, against alleged Western conspiracies to defile and attack them. In the video, the LeT founder, himself a cleric, says: "Among the issues of defending the Harmain, the honor of the Koran, also include the third issue of respect of the Prophet [Muhammad] peace be upon him [against blasphemy]. We understand that these issues are no different; the issue is a single one. It is said that when the wars were underway against the crusaders, it could be seen that the crusaders committed blasphemous acts against the prophet, which in turn would convince us that these forts would be won soon [by Islamic forces]…. "[16]

"Allah willing, the time has come when Islam will dominate the world. And all these conspiracy hatchers – the Jews, the Crusaders, and the Hindus who have joined hands with them – all of these enemies of Allah will meet with defeat; and their systems [of governance and economy] will disappear from the world. This is the fear faced by the West today, that they are targeting these, are burning the Koran, are drawing cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. And they are looking with evil eye towards Harmain because it is the center of the Ummah [global Muslim community]; they want the Ummah to be embroiled in conflict; that is why they are hatching conspiracies against Harmain [the Kaaba in Mecca]…."[17]

It should also be noted that the officials of Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) argue that it is a charity offering medical and flood relief to affected people in Pakistan. However, often the officials of FIF are former Jamaatud Dawa men and their videos also appear on Jamaatud Dawa's YouTube channel.[18]

Jamaatud Dawa Videos on Facebook Accuse Hindus and Indian Soldiers of Atrocities Against Muslims

Jamaatud Dawa has several pages set up on the social networking site Facebook, some of which are closed, i.e. open to members only.[19] However, the open channels of Jamaatud Dawa may not be very active.

One of the Jamaatud Dawa channels on Facebook (see the image above) gives its employer as "Lashkari," i.e. one who has worked or is working for Lashkar-e-Taiba – and its education as "Jamaat al Dawa al Quran."[20] This Facebook page posted an image of the grand mosque-like mausoleum of Pakistan's Bhutto family in Sindh, evoking scorn among its followers for its palace-like feel.

In November 2011, it also posted a YouTube video with the logo of Lashkar-e-Taiba and some clips from Indian TV channels (see image below). The video shows a Muslim woman accusing Hindus of using swords to remove babies from mothers' wombs and shows in gory detail Muslims being bludgeoned by a Hindu mob.[21] The video is titled in English and Urdu "Wake up Pakistan and Muslims – Atrocities on Muslims in India."

Lashkar-e-Taiba's YouTube video on Facebook accuses India of atrocities against Muslims

Urdu Song Posted by Jamaatud Dawa's Facebook: "The Martyrs Have Called You, From the Upper Echelons of Paradise"

An Urdu song telling Muslims that they have been called by the martyrs to join them is posted on the Jamaatud Dawa's Facebook channel on Facebook.[22] The audio song is linked to a video on YouTube; translated excerpts below highlight how YouTube and Facebook are failing to prevent jihadist groups from publishing such messages:[23]

"The martyrs have called you
"From the upper echelons of Paradise.

"We sacrificed in the path of Allah;
"You still love lives.

"The martyrs have called you
"From the upper echelons of Paradise.

"The prophets kept walking this path;
"they kept fighting against the infidels.

"The daredevils of Prophet Muhammad kept advancing;
"Using the bows and arrows of ancestors.

"The martyrs have called you
"From the upper echelons of Paradise.

"Consider it not as fire, you will find it to be a garden;
"Ask moths why they burn on flames, ask these lovers.

"When you find stains of my blood scattered in the paths;
"Hesitate not in those spots, advance through these paths.

"In the sentiment of kissing the flower, some thorns do pierce;
"Bear with the hurt from our own, confront only the others [infidels].

"The martyrs have called you
"From the upper echelons of Paradise."

Images of Jamaatud Dawa's Facebook Jihad against the U.S., India

One of the Facebook channels – "Jamaat Ul Dawa Pakistan," see above image – is active in promoting jihad against the U.S. and India. Following are some images and their captions from the Facebook channel:[24]

The image, posted January 25, 2012, reads: "One Cure for India and America – Al-Jihad Al-Jihad."

The image, posted on January 11, 2012, carries the slogan: "Friendship with India and America – Treason against the Martyrs."

The image, posted on December 26, 2011, carries the following text: "Jihad – Long Live"

The image, posted on December 20, 2011, shows the Jamaatud Dawa lion grabbing a hyena with an Indian flag. The text reads: "Expel the idolaters from the Heaven [on earth in Kashmir]."

Activities in Pakistani Cities

Urdu Daily Report on Lahore Rally: "This Rally is… Declared a Referendum Against America, American Policies and Pro-American Elements [in Pakistan]"

Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and others at the Lahore rally (image courtesy: Roznama Ummat, December 19, 2011)

To advance its ideological agenda and pressure the Pakistani government, the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) has begun holding mass public rallies in Pakistani cities. The key speaker at these rallies is Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the Lashkar-e-Taiba founder. One of two recent public rallies was held December 19, 2011 rally in Lahore.

The following are excerpts from a report in the Urdu-language daily Roznama Ummat, describing the proceedings of the DPC conference:[25] "About 300,000 people standing shoulder to shoulder with Difa-e-Pakistan Council leadership at Minar-e-Pakistan raised their hands to pledge that they are always ready to render any sacrifice for the sake of the defense of the country.

"On the one hand, right-wing circles are terming this conference as a message of change; on the other hand, the political circles in the city [of Lahore] have called this conference a full show of strength by the Islamic religious parties, in which they succeed in gathering more people than Imran Khan [cricketer-turned-politician and leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf]. This rally is also being declared a referendum against America, American policies and pro-American elements [in Pakistan]. An important aspect [of this conference] is that this referendum was limited to [the province of] Punjab only. There was no participation from the remaining three provinces [Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan].

"The conference was largely attended by students of madrassas [Islamic seminaries], workers of religious and political parties and activists of jihadi organizations. In the conference, leadership of almost all Islamist parties and their representatives were present. Apart from them, Awami Muslim League Chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and a leader of Tehrik Insaf [party of Imran Khan] … represented their parties' leadership.

"According to sources, the leadership of Pakistan Defence Council invited political and religious parties of different schools of thought to the conference. Even President Asif Ali Zardari was invited, through presidential spokesman Farhatullah Baber, with a message that the conference was aimed at highlighting the resolve and determination for the defense of Pakistan. This country is also yours [President Zardari], so you should participate. However, the president excused himself from attending the conference. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman was also invited but despite his presence in Lahore neither he [himself] nor any of his representatives attended the conference. Sources said that Maulana Fazlur Rahman could not understand which way the wind was blowing and distanced himself by avoiding this representative rally of Islamist parties…."

"Three Thousand Jamaatud Dawa Volunteers Took Responsibility for Security [at Lahore Rally]; The Flags Fluttering At the Rally Were Either Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat's or Jamaatud Dawa's"

"According to reliable sources, the Muslim League (N) leadership [of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif] complained just two days before the conference that the PDC's present activities are in fact an attempt to affect their vote bank in future. As the matter came to the fore, a high-level delegation of the council called on the PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif and invited him to the conference. [Nevertheless] Nawaz Sharif responded that he would decide whether to attend the conference or not after observing the whole situation. But today he stayed away from the conference. Sources said that Nawaz Sharif's non-participation went in favor of PDC because had he joined [he would have hijacked the rally] by giving the impression that such a large number of people were gathered due to Mian Nawaz Sharif.

"The first session of the conference started at 11:00 am and continued till 12:30 pm. The session was addressed by Ahle Sunnat Wal-Jamaat leader Maulana Shamsur Rahman Maawia, Jamaatud Dawa Azad Kashmir chief Maulana Abdul Aziz Alavi, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Sami) deputy chief Maulana Makhdoom Manzoor Ahmed and Maulana Habibur Rahman Darkhwasti. At 12:30 pm, when the first session ended with the announcement of a break for Zuhar prayers, over half of the pindal [venue] emptied… Soon after the Zuhar prayers, as the second and last session began, the number of participants increased, and within one hour the situation changed as the whole pindal became jam-packed, to full capacity….

"An important development observed was that great enthusiasm and fervor was found among the participants. Three thousand Jamaatud Dawa volunteers took responsibility for security. The flags fluttering at the rally were either Jamaatud Dawa's or Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat's [new name of banned militant group Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan]….

"The conference was attended by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Sami), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Nazriati group), Jamaatud Dawa, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Shariat Council, Pakistan Muslim League (Zia), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Sawad Azam Ahle Sunnat, Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Jamiat Ishaat At-Tawheed Wal Sunnah, Pakistan Ulema Council, Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Majlis-i- Ihrarul Islam, Mohsinaan Pakistan, Jamaat-i-Islami Azad Kashmir, Hurriyat Conference Azad Kashmir, Khaksar Tehrik, Tehrik Tanzeem Islami and prominent jihadist leaders including Maulana Abdul Jabbar, Maulana Abdullah Shah Mazhar and Maulana Naseer Jawed…."

"[The Conference] Expressed Determination That Every Effort will Be Made for the Defense of Pakistan; Participants… were Administered an Oath to… Render Sacrifices to Enforce Islamic Sharia [in Pakistan]"

"[Continuing from the above] General (retired) Hamid Gul said this conference in fact is a clear message from the patriotic forces that we are ready to render any sacrifice for defense, protection and solidarity of Pakistan. He said the aggressor has fought its last war [i.e. the U.S. in Afghanistan] and now it has no future. Now history is taking a new turn. In fact, it is the return journey and all this is being witnessed in the pindal is actually power of Allah and Pakistan. Do not give it a wrong color. To a query, he said in fact it is the journey of honor and respect…We have no tussle with anybody. We only want freedom.

"Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat chief Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi told the Ummat that today's rally was an historic one. Perhaps this historic venue of Minar-i-Pakistan has never seen such a mammoth gathering. This rally was a historical one in all aspects – people's presence, unity among leaders and their addresses. To a question, he answered that people from all walks of life except the ruling parties were present in this huge anti-America gathering.

"JUI-S [Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam] central Secretary General Maulana Abdur Rauf Farooqi told the Ummat that except pro-American elements all the remaining parties participated… Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, former MNA [lawmaker or member of National Assembly] and son of Maulana Samiul Haq, termed this conference as historic and harbinger of change in Pakistan. Mohsinaan-i-Pakistan chief Abdullah Gul… pointed towards the pindal and said they [participants] are the people who had been pressed after 9/11 and today they got the opportunity to raise their heads.

"The defend Pakistan conference has expressed determination that every effort will be made for the defense of Pakistan. Struggle will be carried out at all levels for the enforcement of Islamic Sharia, which is the only solution to all problems [of Pakistan]. No compromise on Azad Kashmir [in dealings with India] is acceptable. Roads and routes throughout the country will be blocked if NATO supply-line is reopened. Border and trade markets will be surrounded if India is declared 'most favored nation.' The government was asked to set a deadline for abandoning its role in the American war [on terror]. At the end the participants of the conference were administered an oath to … render sacrifices to enforce Islamic Sharia and defend Pakistan."

Report on Rawalpindi Rally: Maulana Samiul Haq Said, "With the Grace of Allah Almighty We are Now United to Defend the Country and Set Ourselves Free From Clutches of American Subjugation – and the Time is Ripe to Adopt the Way of Jihad"

A copy of the report on Rawalpindi conference by Urdu daily Roznama Ummat of January 23, 2012

The second conference in the series was held by the DPC on January 22, 2012 in Rawalpindi, the twin city of Islamabad. The conference warned the Pakistani government against reopening NATO supply through Pakistan. The Urdu language daily Roznama Ummat stated in a report titled "Defense of Pakistan Conference Threatens to Besiege Parliament House if NATO Supplies Restored:[26] "Thousands of participants of Difa-e-Pakistan Conference have demanded withdrawal of all facilities, including use of Pakistan airspace and permanent closer of NATO supplies [to Afghanistan via Pakistan], else it warned of besieging the Parliament House. The rally also demanded [that the government] withdraw its decision to grand MFN (Most Favored Nation) status to India, terming trade with India sans solution of Kashmir dispute as tantamount to enmity with the motherland.

"A mammoth rally was held under the banner of Pakistan Defense Council at Liaquat Bagh of Rawalpindi on Sunday. The rally was attended by thousands of participants from all walks of life including leaders and workers of religious, political parties, jihadi organizations, students of madrassas [Islamic seminaries], colleges and universities, traders, lawyers and laborers. The participants of the rally reiterated their resolve to render any sacrifice for defense and protection of Pakistan and Islam.

"The messages from the father of Pakistani atomic bomb and renowned scientist Dr A.Q. Khan [Dr Abdul Qadir Khan] and … [others] were also read out on the occasion. The participants stood on their seats and raised full-throat slogans as the Jamaatud Dawa leader Professor Hafiz Muhammad Saeed came on the dais to deliver his speech.

"Addressing the rally, the Pakistan Defence Council co-chairman Maulana Samiul Haq [also chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam] said that after the blockade of NATO supplies now the government must set a deadline to say goodbye to the so-called war against terrorism. He asserted that the rulers should stop following wrong policies of [former military ruler General Pervez] Musharraf and sever relations with America. With the grace of Allah Almighty we are now united to defend the country and set ourselves free from clutches of American subjugation and the time is ripe to adopt way of jihad, he said."

Jamaat-e-Islami Emir – "Conspiracies are Being Hatched to Set Terms and Conditions for Reopening of NATO Supplies [through Pakistan]; Hafiz Muhammad Saeed – "Conferring of MFN status on India is a Conspiracy to Make Pakistan 'Economically Disabled'"

"Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Syed Munawwar Hasan, in his address to the rally, said that conspiracies are being hatched to set terms and conditions for reopening of NATO supplies. But, he warned that they will not let the government to ink any such document of slavery [to America].

"Jamaatud Dawa chief Professor Hafiz Saeed vowed on the occasion to resist restoration of NATO supplies with full strength. [Saeed said] 'We have made it clear during the PDC rally in Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore, that we will come to Rawalpindi to seek a deadline from the Prime Minister [Yousuf Raza Gilani] to dissociate Pakistan from … this American war. Today in the presence of thousands of people I declare to ask him [the prime minister] to openly declare as Pakistan is no more the U.S. ally in war against terrorism.

"He said all agreements made with America became redundant when it carried out the first drone attack in [tribal areas of] Pakistan. He said the country is passing through a critical juncture as it is facing serious threats from enemies. He said Pakistani territory should not be used for attacks against Afghanistan. The rulers should come out of American alliance; conferring of MFN status on India is a conspiracy to make Pakistan 'economically disabled' and ruin its economy. It's not the time to remain a silent spectator, he said, adding all people should come forward to defend the sovereignty of Pakistan.

"He further said that America is pitting India against Pakistan, alleging that India is involved in sabotage activities in Baluchistan. He said the country-wide movement from the platform of Pakistan Defense Council will continue.

"Chief of Awami Muslim League Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that today Pakistan is facing internal threats. He said all the problems will be overcome if all religious parties gathered on one platform. General (retired) Mirza Aslam Beg [former Pakistan Army chief] said that secularism is imminent threat to Pakistan's solidarity, adding those people sitting in the parliament can't change destiny of the nation.

"The rally was also addressed by Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi, Sahibzada Abul Khair Zubair, Ejazul Haq, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, Hafeez Akef Saeed, Maulana Fazalur Rehman Khalil, Allama Ebtesaam Elahi Zahir, Abdur Rashid Turabi, Hafeez Tahir Muhammad Ashrafi and others. Most of the participants belonged to Jamaatud Dawa…."

PDC Calls For Historic Rally in Karachi, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed Says: "To Become an Ally of America… to Present Our Country, Our Airbases… For Them Is… Against the Ideology on the Basis of Which Pakistan Was Established, and is Against the Clear Teachings of Islam and the Koran"

The Defense of Pakistan Council (PDC) has called for another mass rally in Karachi on February 12, 2012 to force the Pakistani government to completely distance itself from the United States. At a press conference, Jamaatud Dawa Emir Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the PDC co-chairman, explained the objectives behind the rally.

According to a video posted on Jamaatud Dawa's YouTube channel, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed stated at the press conference:[27]

"We have been saying this from beginning, that to become an ally of America like this, and to present our country, our airbases, our everything for them, is against the requirements of our Millat [Muslim Ummah], is against our fundamental interests, is against the ideology on the basis of which Pakistan has been established, and is against the clear teachings of Islam and the Koran. And its result will not be in any way in Pakistan's favor….

"The United States did not come to occupy Afghanistan alone, but also to thrust its agenda on Pakistan, Pakistan whose foundation is based on an ideology; and in reality America is enemy of that ideology. Keeping this enmity in mind, they have made effort to push Pakistan into war…."

* Tufail Ahmad is Director of MEMRI's South Asia Studies Project (www.memri.org/sasp)