The leaders of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek and Minhaj-ul-Quran International, led by Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, visited the graves of the martyrs on the occasion of the 9th anniversary of Model Town tragedy, laid floral wreaths and prayed for the elevation of ranks of the martyrs.

The central leadership also visited the residences of the heirs of the martyrs and expressed unflinching solidarity with them.

Minhaj-ul-Quran International Women Wing’s central president Dr Ghazala Hassan Qadri along with senior women leaders visited the residence of Tanzeela Amjad Shaheed, met her daughter Bisma to show solidarity with her and prayed for the elevation of ranks of her mother Tanzeela Amjad Shaheed as well as aunt Shazia Murtaza Shaheed.

District and tehsil chapters of PAT organized prayer ceremonies in almost each city and town. The main event was held at Jame’ Shaykh-ul-Islam Model Town, Lahore, in which a large number of workers and leaders participated. Later, floral wreaths were laid on the memorial of the martyrs and it was prayed that Allah Almighty may elevate ranks of the martyrs.

Engineer Rafiq Najam, Allama Rana Muhammad Idris, Raja Zahid Mahmood, Rana Nafees Hussain Qadri, Sardar Umar Daraz Khan, Prof Zulfiqar, Chaudhry Sultan Mahmood, Suhail Ahmad Raza, Tariq Altaf, Haji Amjad Qadri, Tayyab Zia and Mohsin Iqbal also visited the graves of the martyrs.

Talking to the media, PAT Secretary-General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur and Information Secretary Nurullah Siddiqui said that on 17 June 2023, the 9th anniversary of Model Town Martyrs is being observed. On this occasion, we pray to Allah Almighty to raise the ranks of the Model Town martyrs and convert their graves into gardens of Paradise. And those who endured oppression and hardships for the sake of exalting the word of truth, may Allah give them the best reward for it through the propitiatory offering for Nalain-e-Mustafa (Peace be upon him).

On June 17, 2014, during an illegal operation in the name of removing encroachments in Model Town Lahore, innocent and peaceful workers were mercilessly tortured, dignity of humanity was violated, and the Islamic democratic identity of Pakistan was damaged, and human rights were violated. As a result of the illegal police operation, 14 workers were brutally martyred, including two women, and dozens of others were seriously injured.

MQI workers have been taught to live a life of peace, moderation and tolerance by the MQI founder and patron Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, who also taught them to respect the law of the land in all circumstances. In order to get justice, legal proceedings have been going on for the last nine years in different courts of Pakistan with just one request to the honorable judiciary that it should conduct an impartial inquiry into the tragedy of Model Town, so that all the facts behind the incident are revealed.

Although the Supreme Court ordered an impartial inquiry into the case, the order has not been implemented in letter and spirit.

The tragedy of Model Town is a serious violation of human rights. By ensuring a legal action against those who had taken the law into their hands, not only justice for the victims will be ensured but also the faith of the weak in the justice system will be restored.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur saluted the heirs of the Model Town martyrs for continuing their struggle for getting justice with determination, courage and perseverance. In-sha Allah, the oppressed and the weak will surely get justice because in the opinion of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) the sanctity and protection of human life is the most important thing. And on the Day of Judgment, the cases of those who were unjustly killed are the first to be presented in the court of Allah, the Exalted. And Judgment Day is the day when the victims, the oppressed will be given justice and the oppressors will be taken to task.

On the occasion of the 9th anniversary, we also laud our committed lawyers who are pursuing the case of Model Town martyrs in the courts. Their determination to continue to struggle to win justice for the oppressed with the same religious, humanitarian and legal spirit and commitment is praiseworthy.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur said that he will specifically urge the people associated with MQI to offer special prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, organize Quran-reciting meetings for recompense, as well as express solidarity with the families of the martyrs. May Allah Almighty make us always a supporter of the oppressed, Amen.