Hafiz Naeemur Rehman calls for dialogue among all political stakeholders & respect for the constitution as necessary steps to restore peace in country

LAHORE, Sep 14 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has called for dialogue among all political stakeholders and respect for the constitution as necessary steps to restore peace in the country.

“The security situation, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, is at its worst,” Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said during a press conference at Mansoorah on Saturday. “The government, opposition, military establishment, and all other stakeholders must set aside their egos and come together for the sake of the country and for peace.”

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman offered the Jamaat-e-Islami’s platform to facilitate these dialogues, while also urging discussions with Kabul. He emphasized that the Taliban government in Afghanistan should assume a responsible role in promoting peace in the region.

He further stressed the importance of cooperation between institutions, noting that if the civil government in KP is taking responsibility for internal security, the military must fully support them. He warned against creating unnecessary divisions between the police and the army, calling for unity in addressing internal security challenges.

The JI Emir underscored that progress and public welfare would be possible only if all institutions adhered to the constitutional boundaries. He cautioned that expecting ordinary citizens to respect the law is unreasonable if those in power fail to do so.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed regret that the ruling elite had long monopolized the country’s resources, depriving the masses of their basic needs. He urged the government to revisit agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and gradually eliminate the interest-based economy to revive economic growth. Additionally, he called for the completion of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline and the exploration of domestic energy resources.

Criticizing the ruling class, he remarked that their lack of concern for public welfare is mirrored by international institutions like the IMF, which imposes unjust loan conditions that strengthen the status quo. He argued that the country remains shackled by a colonial mindset that has persisted for seven decades, with the ruling elite acting as puppets for foreign powers, inviting external interference in national affairs.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman called for national unity to break free from this control, stressing that this can only be achieved if the people stand together for their rights. He also attributed the rise of terrorism in Pakistan to those who dragged the country into the U.S.-led so-called “war on terror” after 9/11.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman highlighted Jamaat-e-Islami’s ongoing membership campaign across the country and announced plans to establish public committees once the campaign concludes. This, he explained, would mark the second phase of the party’s peaceful resistance movement.

He called for an end to unjust taxation on common citizens, salaried individuals, and traders, urging the public to join Jamaat-e-Islami’s movement to secure their rights. The party, he noted, has already initiated a campaign to dismantle the corrupt system and its enablers, buoyed by the overwhelming public support for its membership drive.

In response to a question, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demanded a fair investigation into allegations raised by PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja regarding the harassment of PTI members by security agencies. He asserted that every political party has the right to peaceful protests and public gatherings.

He also warned the government against introducing controversial constitutional amendments regarding the retirement age and number of Supreme Court judges. He called on the Chief Justice to clarify his position on the matter and urged him to refuse any extension in office in any case, should it be offered.