Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticises govt’s decision to permit intelligence agencies to tap citizens’ phones, labelling it a violation of basic rights

BUNER, July09 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has criticised the government’s decision to permit intelligence agencies to tap citizens’ phones, labelling it a violation of basic rights.

“What justice is there in institutions interfering with an individual’s privacy?” he asked while addressing a public gathering in Buner on Tuesday.
He expressed surprise that this permission was granted by those who claim to be champions of democracy.

Rehman stated that Jamaat-e-Islami is striving to liberate the country from these so-called democratic champions and agents of imperialistic forces.
“The JI sit-in in Islamabad on July 12 is for the rights of the people, against inflation, and unjust taxes imposed in the recent budget.”
He criticized the PML-N, PPP, and MQM, saying they came to power through rigging and are engaged in friendly fighting, which the youth now fully understand. He asserted that the rulers’ attempts to deceive the youth would fail, as they are making futile efforts to control the younger generation by restricting social media and freedom of speech.

He 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. He emphasized the need for Islamabad and Kabul to engage in dialogue to ensure peace in the region. He said 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 Buner particularly the youth to actively participate in the Jamaat-e-Islami peaceful movement of resistance for their rights.