Political, religious parties denounce CIA contractor's release

Political and religious parties staged protest on Friday against the release of CIA's agent and double murderer Raymond Davis on the appeal of Jamaat-e-Islami, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-e-Azam), Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Sunni Tehreek.
A huge joint rally was organised by JI and PTI from Masjid-e-Shohda to Chairing Cross on Mall Road. The protesters were chanting slogans against Punjab government and federal government. They also tried to enter in Punjab Assembly building during which a scuffle took place between Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba and Insaf Students Federation. All shopping centres including Akbari Mandi, Paper Market and Currency Market remained open despite the strike call given by PTI and JI. However shops remained closed for few hours after Friday prayers on Mall Road due to the protest.
Addressing the protestors, JI Ameer Munawwar Hassan said Punjab government is involved in the release of Raymond Davis, which started its work for the release of Raymond from day one. He alleged that Punjab government facilitated Davis' accomplices involved in the murder of Ibad-ur-Rehman, in fleeing. He further said Nawaz Sharif's suspicious illness has exposed him before the nation, saying Sharif brothers were 'more responsible for the release of the US national than Zardari, Gilani or Kayani'.
He said that Pakistani intelligence agencies have joined hands with the CIA and are involved in the killing of innocent people. He added that intelligence agencies have failed to provide security to the people of Pakistan. Munawwar condemned recent drone attacks on the tribal Jirga in North Waziristan just after the release of Davis in which 44 innocent people lost their lives. By releasing the US national, rulers have placed Pakistan's solidarity and sovereignty as well as the nation's life and property at the mercy of US terrorists, which has created a deep sense of insecurity among the masses, he remarked.
He noted that the hatred in the people against the army and national security institutions is increasing. He also said 'Go America Go' Campaign of JI will be successful. He appealed to everyone who wants to see rule of law and justice to stand with them.
Speaking on the occasion, President PTI Punjab, Ahsan Rasheed said that all political forces should be united on one platform and say 'no' to American dictations. Leader of JuD, Amir Hamza said interior minister Rehman Malik and Pakistan Ambassador in America, Hussain Haqqani were involved in issuing visas to 400 American terrorists like Raymond Davis who were involved in the killing of innocent people and creating destabilisation in the country.
Meanwhile, a rally was organised by Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) outside the press club on the appeal of their chairman Sahibzada Haji Fazl Kareem against the release of Raymond Davis, attended by a large number of leaders of SIC which Peer Syed Iqbal Shah, Sahibzada Shahid Gardezi and Muhammad Nawaz Kharal and Syed Nuzzamal Hussain Shah. Chanting slogans against the government, the protestors blocked the road for one hour.