Ex-President Dr. Arif Alvi calls on Emir JI Hafiz Naeemur Rehman

LAHORE, May 07 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has firmly rebuffed government proposals aimed at restricting social media and curtailing freedom of expression, expressing apprehension over the banning of X.

Addressing social media influencers and YouTubers at Mansoorah on Tuesday, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman remarked that even a state as powerful as the US has failed in its attempts to silence social media voices, leading to widespread protests among students in prominent universities regarding the situation in Gaza.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman disclosed that the JI Majlise Shura is scheduled to convene on May 25 to deliberate on the national agenda. Following the meeting, he emphasized that the JI would present proposals for peaceful resistance to the nation. He underscored the precarious state of democracy, criticizing the current government as having attained power through a fraudulent mandate, a situation unacceptable to the JI. He lamented the near collapse of the national economy and highlighted the plight of farmers who are unable to sell their wheat to the government.

Regarding the wheat import scandal, Emir JI called for a thorough investigation and assured that the JI stands in solidarity with the farmers’ demands. Expressing concern over the deteriorating education and healthcare sectors, he announced plans to expand the JI’s “Banoo Qabil Program” nationwide. He criticized the government’s flawed policies, attributing the low IT export figures to mismanagement, while asserting that with better governance, Pakistan’s IT export could surpass $25 billion.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman urged the social media influencers to use their platforms to promote virtuous causes and serve as voices for society.

Meanwhile, former president Dr. Arif Alvi paid a visit to the JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman at Mansoorah, where both leaders affirmed their commitment to cooperation for the supremacy of the constitution and democracy.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman revealed the JI’s intention to participate in an opposition-led seminar on protecting the constitution on May 8, stressing the importance of strengthening local government and reinstating student unions. He advocated for internal democracy within political parties, a sentiment echoed and agreed upon by both leaders.