During the 5th Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore, a gathering attended by notable figures and foreign diplomats, including German Ambassador Alfred Granas, a disruption occurred during the ambassador’s speech. Pro-Palestinian youths in the audience voiced their objections and raised slogans in solidarity with Gaza.
The Progressive Students’ Collective (PSC) highlighted what they perceived as the German ambassador’s hypocrisy regarding Germany’s stance on the Palestinian issue, questioning his country’s role. They criticized the conference organizers for stifling the voices of the students advocating for Palestine while allowing speakers sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
As the German Ambassador began his address, some young attendees engaged in a loud exchange, chanting slogans in support of Palestine. The ambassador reacted by raising his voice and admonishing the youth. Subsequently, conference organizers took action to remove the pro-Palestinian participants from the event.
During the conference, Ahsan Bhawan, former President of the Supreme Court Bar, drew attention to recent arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters in universities worldwide. He emphasized the continued legacy of Asma Jahangir in advocating against authoritarianism and for human rights.
