Connect with us

Politics

Hong Kong protests: Demonstrators march amid rising tensions

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti.

Published

on

Protesters have gathered in Hong Kong for the ninth weekend in a row amid mounting tensions with the authorities.

Groups rallied in the Mong Kok district before starting their march, with some donning protective clothing.

Opposition groups plan further demonstrations on Sunday, and a city-wide strike on Monday.

Some demonstrators are now demanding Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam resign, and are calling for greater democracy.

Beijing and the Chinese army have issued stern warnings about the growing unrest.

Two months of demonstrations sparked by a controversial extradition bill show no signs of abating, with both sides hardening their stance.

Mass protests began in March over the bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

Although the government has now suspended it, demonstrators want the bill fully withdrawn, and are widening their demands.

Hong Kong – a former British colony – is part of China but enjoys unique freedoms not seen on the mainland.

What’s the latest?

Protesters gathered in Mong Kok, a Hong Kong district where violent clashes took place during pro-democracy protests in 2014.

Police had initially denied permission for the gathering but relented after an appeal.

Demonstrators reportedly walked past a designated end point for their march, chanting slogans and calling on people to join the planned strike on Monday.

Some unions and organisations have reportedly already agreed to take part in the action.

Demonstrators in Hong Kong
Demonstrators in Hong KongImage copyrightEPA
Image captionMarchers – some flying US and UK flags – first gathered in Mong Kok before setting off into the centre

Volunteers handing out masks, hard hats, bottled water and pre-paid subway tickets to marchers. Many businesses along the route closed their doors.

A group of demonstrators blocked access to the Cross Harbour Tunnel, causing traffic chaos. Others set up make-shift barricades on shopping streets.

Saturday’s march comes after a group of civil servants – ordered to be politically neutral – joined demonstrations in their thousands on Friday.

The rally followed the publication of an anonymous letter on Facebook complaining about “extreme oppression” and listing five key demands – the complete withdrawal of the extradition bill; waiving charges against those arrested; an end to descriptions of protests as “rioting”; an independent inquiry into the unrest; and resuming political reforms.

“I think the government should respond to the demands, instead of pushing the police to the frontline as a shield,” 26-year-old government worker Kathy Yip told Reuters news agency.

Supporters of Hong Kong’s police force have also gathered for a rally on Saturday in Victoria Park.

Image copyrightREUTERS
Image captionSome gathered in support of the police

“I really feel upset about the violence that we are seeing in Hong Kong everyday,” bank worker Evan told Reuters. “The protesters are now not listening to the government, they are not listening to the police.”

How have tensions risen this week?

More than 40 activists appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with rioting after protests last Sunday turned violent.

They could face up to 10 years behind bars if convicted.

Tensions rose further when the military – which has not yet intervened in the unrest – posted a video on social media network Weibo showing soldiers conducting anti-riot drills.

Continue Reading

Politics

Pakistan dispatches 3rd consignment of relief goods for people in Gaza

Published

on

Pakistan has dispatched third consignment of 20 tons of relief goods for the people in Gaza.

The consignment of relief goods was sent from Nur Khan Air base by a special flight of Pakistan Air force.

According to details, Pakistan takes the lead in helping innocent Palestinian brothers and sisters.

The third aid consignment contains about 20 tons of essential items including surgical and medical supplies, dry food items and gift bags for children as well as hygiene kits.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan stands with the Palestinian brothers and sisters in this testing time and will continue to support them.

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Palestine’s Ambassador to Pakistan and representatives of the Armed Forces attended the ceremony to dispatch the relief goods at Nur Khan Air Base.

Speaking on the occasion, the Foreign Minister called for immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

He urged to uphold the basic principles of justice and human rights as well as ensuring the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. He said that more humanitarian aid is also being arranged for the war affected brothers and sisters in Gaza.

Jalil Abbas Jilani also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and strongly condemned the use of indiscriminate force by Israel particularly against Palestinian women and children.

Continue Reading

Politics

Pakistan expresses disappointment over UNSC’s failure to call for a ceasefire in Gaza

Published

on

By

ISLAMABAD, Dec 09 (APP): The Foreign Office on Saturday said that Pakistan was deeply disappointed that the UN Security Council once again failed to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, even in the face of a human tragedy of epic proportions taking place there.

Despite the invocation of Article-99 of the UN Charter by the Secretary-General and his warnings of humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the Council has failed to perform its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. The collective punishment endured by the besieged people of Gaza is unprecedented and unacceptable,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement.

Pakistan reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel must end its barbaric attacks and inhumane siege against Gaza.

“We urge the UN Security Council to act now, end this inhuman war and protect the people of Gaza from an impending genocide,” it was stressed.

The spokesperson said that continuation of Israel’s campaign in occupied Palestine would prolong human suffering, with massive civilian casualties and forced displacement of millions of people.

It could also trigger a wider and more dangerous conflict. A heavy responsibility rested on all who have contributed to the prolongation of uninterrupted bombing of the people of Gaza, it was added.

Continue Reading

Politics

Pakistan asks UN to investigate Israel’s atrocity crimes in Palestine

Published

on

By

Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Ambassador Usman Iqbal Jadoon has asked the General Assembly and UN Security Council to consider the establishment of a special tribunal and accountability mechanism to investigate Israel’s atrocity crimes in Palestine.

Taking part in the UN General Assembly Debate on the “Question of Palestine”, Ambassador Usman Iqbal Jadoon asked that deployment of an international protection force or mechanism to protect Palestinian civilians, especially women and children in Gaza and West Bank and play its role in the restoration of the peace process.

The Ambassador regretted that the General Assembly’s call was not heeded by Israel, which continued its indiscriminate and criminal attacks against the Palestinian people. Israel also ignored the call from the Security Council to comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children; and to refrain from depriving the civilian population in the Gaza Strip of basic services and humanitarian assistance indispensable to their survival.

He strongly condemned the indiscriminate use of force by Israel. He said Israel’s attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure, blockading of water, food and fuel, as well as the forced displacement of people within the occupied territory, are flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and may amount to the crime of genocide. 

The Ambassador appreciated the efforts undertaken by Qatar and Egypt to save precious lives. Pakistan’s position, however, remains in favour of a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities. He said the Israeli killing machine operating with complete impunity needs to be stopped and Israel must be held accountable for its defiance and criminal actions. 

https://radio.gov.pk/29-11-2023/pakistan-asks-un-to-investigate-israels-atrocity-crimes-in-palestine

Continue Reading

Most Popular

English اردو