ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed officials to startpreparations for holding state-level protests against Israel’s graveviolation of human rights and bombardment on the people of Palestine.

According to reports, the state-level protests will be held on Friday toexpress solidarity with Palestine facing ongoing airstrikes and groundattacks by Israeli forces, who have killed more than 200 people in Gaza andWest Bank.

The decision was taken by the premier during a meeting with governmentspokespersons. The aides of the PM had suggested that the demonstrationshould be held on Friday.

Earlier today, the Leader of the Opposition in the National AssemblyShehbaz Sharif while speaking on the floor said that coming Friday shouldbe observed as Al-Quds day.

The prime minister in meeting with spokespersons also discussed theeconomic situation of the country and the contempt petition filed byShahbaz Shariflinkagainstthe government’s decision to place his name on the Exit Control List (ECL)despite the Lahore High Court order.

The premier while commenting on Shehbaz’s matter said that his name was puton the no-fly list as he is under trial in various corruption cases.

As airstrikes by Israeli forces continue in Gaza with targeting houses andhigh-rise buildings, the death toll has surpassed 200 on Monday.