LAHORE: Jamaat-eIslami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, presiding over an emergency meeting of the party`s central leadership at Mansoora on Wednesday, strongly condemned Indian aggression, calling it a cowardly and vile act.

He announced that Friday, May 9, will be observed as a `Yom-eAzm` (Day of Resolve) across Pakistan and a massive `Pakistan Zindabad Rally` will be taken out in Lahore on Sunday, May 11, as a show of national unity and solidarity.

Rehman said India deliberately targeted mosques and civilian areas in the nighttime airstrikes, resulting in the martyrdom of over 26 women, children, and young people, with many others injured. He termed the assault a part of India`s Hindutvadriven false flag operation in Pahalgam, aimed at justifying aggression against Pakistan.

He praised the armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force(PAF), for their measured and decisive response. `Pakistani forces refrained from attacking civilian targets and instead downed five to six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft,` he said, adding the entire nation salutes the courage of the armed forces.

He described the military`s response as a true reflection of the public sentiment and said the country had united beyond political divides in the face of Indian aggression. He assured the government and the military of full public support, emphasising national solidarity.

In a directive to A 1 K h i d m a t Foundation, he urged volunteers to activate disaster management units and provide immediate support to the affected civilians wherever needed. He also instructed party workers to coordinate closely with national institutions under Al-Khidmat`s banner.

Calling for the revival of a spirit of jihad in the nation, he said, `This is a divine command, and the time has come to teach India a lesson.