KARACHI: Thousands of people, including women from all walks of life participated in the solidarity rally taken out on the appeal of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan against terrorism in Sindh.

The rally was led by Sindh Governor, Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Mara, and City Nazim Naimatullah Khan.

The rally taken out from Khudadad Colony turned into a procession at the Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum. Dr Ibad, addressing the rally, said that terrorists would not be allowed to flourish and government in co-operation with masses would curb the menace. He said that they wanted peace and harmony and resolved to follow the rules of Quaid-e-Azam, i.e., faith, unity, and discipline.

He appealed to the masses to remain united and peaceful, adding that terrorists may harm the people for the time being but the ultimate victory will be that of people.

Ibad remarked that Karachi was the economic backbone of Pakistan and its development would lead to the development of the country and asked the business community to play their role in the development and prosperity of the city.

Chief Minister Sindh Sardar Ali Muhammad Mahar said that Shias and Sunnis were brothers as all of us were Muslims, adding that there was no sectarian conflict but some hidden hands were out to sabotage peace. These evil conspiracies could be thwarted through people remaining united and peaceful. Mahar claimed that government would deal such terrorist elements with an iron hand.

The participants of the rally were holding aloft flags of Pakistan and white banners as the symbol of peace and unity and chanted slogans in favour of government and for peaceful atmosphere.

Provincial Ministers, Advisers, MPAs, MNAs and representatives of all sectors of life participated in the rally.

Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Mahar addressing the rally said Karachi was everybody’s city and everyone was

peace-loving. Terrorists and anti-social elements, he said, were few and would be eliminated with the unity of the other positive forces.

He appealed to the people to co-operate with the government and help curb anti-social elements so that peace could be restored in the city. He said Karachi was a "mini-Pakistan" and as such, of immense importance to the whole country.

Being the economic hub of the country, Karachi was highly significant to the economic well-being of the country, he said. He had to cut his speech short as some people started chanting slogans.

City Nazim Naimatullah Khan in his speech said the participation in the rally reflects that those who love Pakistan, were here to walk together and express harmony and unity in their ranks.

He added that Karachi was not a "mini-Pakistan" but, "Pakistan". Therefore, till we eliminate terrorism from Karachi, the law and order situation in the country would not improve.

He said Karachi was the main economic artery of Pakistan and it was important to maintain unity and peace in this city. Pakistan, he said, was the only state in the world which was created in the name of Islam.

The rally started from Shahrah-e-Quaideen Chowk and went up to the gate of Mazar-e-Quaid in front of Cosmopolitan Society.

Later the Governor, Chief Minister, City Nazim, along with other important people went inside the Mazar of the Quaid-e-Azam and offered Fateha.