LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Saturday criticised the government policies, calling them detrimental to the people.

Addressing a press conference at Mansoora, following a consultative meeting with Punjab’s leadership, he said the rule of fraudulent elements who came to power through fake Form 47 could not resolve the nation’s problems.

The prime minister’s claims about reducing inflation are a pack of lies, he asserted, pointing to a staggering 319 per cent increase in gas prices as evidence.

“The government itself spreads fake news,” he said, adding it imposed internet restrictions and suppressed dissent.

Dictatorship, censorship not acceptable

“Dictatorship and censorship will not be accepted,” he asserted.

Addressing the issue of madressah registration, he said the Jamaat-i-Islami supports the process of registration but stressed the need for involving all stakeholders (boards of religious seminaries) to resolve the matter.

He criticised the political practices of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), citing the 26th Amendment as a lesson for the nation.

He highlighted that Jamaat-i-Islami’s “Haq Do Awam Ko” (Give the people their rights) movement is ongoing, with plans for marches in Lahore and other major cities of Punjab to address farmers’ grievances.

The JI chief condemned former US President Donald Trump’s threats to Gulf countries, calling them equivalent to genocide. He also denounced Israel’s atrocities in Gaza, carried out with US support, and demanded an immediate ceasefire.

He announced a ‘million march’ in Islamabad on Dec 29 in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Rehman demanded the formation of an independent and empowered commission to investigate the killing of PTI protesters in Islamabad. He condemned the arrest of Pashtuns in the federal capital, calling it an attempt to foster division and prejudice. He said the government was lying about casualties during the protests, saying the Jamaat-i-Islami itself was aware of six to seven deaths.

He announced the establishment of a legal assistance cell in Islamabad to aid those facing police harassment or other grievances.

Highlighting the deteriorating economic situation, Rehman criticised the government for failing to control soaring prices of electricity, petrol, gas, and essential commodities. He said 100 million people now live below the poverty line, with the poor and middle class struggling to survive.

He condemned the government’s actions, such as slowing internet speed, which he said were destroying the livelihoods of millions.

“Such tactics are unacceptable,” he declared.

He called on the government to end privileges for the ruling elite and urged them to pay taxes instead of burdening the poor and salaried class.

He criticised the lack of fair prices for farmers’ produce, particularly sugarcane, and questioned why the government could not provide agricultural subsidies while failing to tax feudal landlords.

Rehman announced that his party would stage protests for farmers’ rights in Vehari, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhang and later in Lahore.

He called for the benefits of independent power producer (IPP) agreements to be used for reducing electricity prices.

“The movement for public issues will continue,” he said, adding grassroots public committees would be formed in urban and rural areas.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2024