In a stern warning on Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rahman urged the government to avoid initiating any new military operations, cautioning that such actions could plunge the country into further turmoil.
Addressing representatives of the trading community, Rahman emphasized the necessity for governance that reflects the desires of the populace, asserting that neither political stability nor economic prosperity is achievable without peace.
“The country’s affairs must be managed in accordance with the whims and wishes of the masses as without peace neither politics nor business will work,” the JI chief stated. Rahman criticized the establishment, rulers, and bureaucracy, calling on them to acknowledge their failures and amend their ways.
Reflecting on JI’s historical stance against foreign intervention, Rahman remarked, “The JI has a history of struggle against foreign intervention as the country has always suffered the consequences of its love for the US.”
He highlighted the significant economic and human toll of the US-led war in Afghanistan on Pakistan, noting, “Due to the US war in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s economy suffered a loss of $200 billion and 100,000 people died during the so-called war on terror.”
Rahman painted a grim picture of the current state of peace in Pakistan, describing it as a paradox where alliances and loyalties are unclear.
He was accompanied by the provincial president of the party, Prof Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, deputy chief Dr. Ataur Rahman, and representatives from the trading community.
Stressing the deep-rooted and historical ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Rahman said, “Both countries have rendered great sacrifices during the past four decades.
The tense relationship between the two brother Muslim countries would appease only India, Israel, and the US.”
Criticizing past leadership, Rahman recalled, “There was no terrorism in the country before 2001. But, a general who surrendered before the US for dollars after just one phone call pushed the country to the fire of terrorism.”
He condemned the actions of General Musharraf, who, according to Rahman, promised economic benefits from the war on terror that never reached the Pakistani people.
Rahman decried the transfer of Pakistan’s sensitive air bases, logistic support, and intelligence network to the US, and criticized the rulers for their military strategies, which he claimed exacerbated terrorism.
“More terrorists are produced after each military operation. Today neither the frontiers of the country are safe nor cities. There is great unrest and disappointment among the masses,” he stated.
He highlighted the mass exodus of disillusioned youth leaving the country in search of better prospects.
The JI chief also spoke against the unjust taxation system in Pakistan, revealing that while Rs 375 billion was collected from the salaried class, the feudal and elite classes contributed a mere Rs 5-6 billion. He called for the inclusion of the feudal class within the tax net.
Addressing the issue of severe electricity load shedding and inflated bills, Rahman condemned the Rs 28 billion collected from the public in the name of capacity charges as an act of extreme cruelty.
He criticized Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for failing to generate electricity despite receiving billions from the poor.
Rahman demanded a forensic audit of the IPPs and urged the government to disclose the agreements made with them.
He insisted on reviewing these agreements, stressing that JI’s movement “Haq Do Awam Ko” (Give the People Their Right) is dedicated to these issues.
To press these demands, Rahman announced a planned sit-in in Islamabad on July 26, for which he claimed all necessary arrangements had been made.
This call to action underscores JI’s commitment to addressing critical national issues, and advocating for transparency, accountability, and justice for the Pakistani people.
