Military operations create divisions between army & people: Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman

BAJAUR/LAYYAH, July 08 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has asked the rulers not to plunge the country into another blind conflict, citing the repercussions of Pervez Musharraf’s decision to join the US-led so-called war on terrorism.

Addressing a by-election rally in PK-22 Bajaur on Monday, he emphasized the need for Islamabad and Kabul to engage in dialogue to ensure peace in the region.

Rehman stated that military operations create divisions between the army and the people, with historical examples underscoring this point. He stressed that Pakistan can no longer afford to conduct operations dictated by foreign powers, highlighting the pressing need for peace and prosperity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), especially for its youth who seek employment. Rehman called for an examination of the root causes of terrorism and demanded the implementation of the National Action Plan in its true spirit.

He criticized the ruling authorities for depriving the masses of basic health and employment facilities, and for imposing additional taxes on the poor while increasing petroleum and gas tariffs in recent budget. The ruling elite, he said, are unwilling to compromise their luxuries, which come at the state’s expense.

He asserted that the Jamaat-e-Islami would not remain silent in the face of injustices and the plundering of national resources by the ruling elite. Reiterating the sit-in in Islamabad on July 12 would be held at any cost for the people’s rights, he demanded that the government reduce the petroleum levy, end unjust taxation on salaried individuals, and lower electricity and gas tariffs, warning of public backlash if these demands are not met. He also invited the people of Bajaur to actively participate in the Jamaat-e-Islami’s movement for their rights.

Earlier, the JI Emir inaugurated a free hospital built by the Alkhidmat Foundation in Layyah. He praised the foundation’s charitable efforts and reaffirmed the Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to serving the masses while leading a peaceful movement for their rights.