Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expresses grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country, labeling it a total failure on the part of govt

HYDERABAD, Nov 23 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country, labeling it a total failure on the part of the government.

Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad on Saturday, Rehman criticized the current coalition government, which he referred to as PDM-III—a continuation of the PDM-I formed after the 2022 no-confidence motion against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, followed by PDM-II as the caretaker setup.

He pointed out that this coalition, which includes the PML-N, PPP and MQM has neither been able to stabilize the economy nor provide security to the public.

Rehman emphasized that the responsibility for maintaining peace does not lie solely with the federal government, but also with provincial governments. He called on all levels of government to take immediate action to address the security challenges facing the country.

On the issue of the PTI’s protest call, Rehman acknowledged the right of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister to hold a peaceful demonstration. However, he stressed that managing provincial affairs and ensuring the safety and security of the people should remain the top priority. He reiterated Jamaat-e-Islami’s support for the right of any political party, including PTI, to hold peaceful protests, but criticized the government’s undemocratic efforts to suppress such movements.

The JI Emir also took aim at the ruling parties, accusing the PPP, PML-N, and MQM of coming to power through rigged elections and the backing of the establishment. He said that the PPP, in particular, has used its influence to monopolize the resources of Sindh, relying on the support of the establishment and a few feudal lords, as it no longer enjoys the backing of the people. Rehman further said that the PPP has rigged both local and general elections and that dacoits—armed robbers—are effectively ruling the province, with the feudal elite offering them support.

Criticizing PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Rehman said that while the party claims to support minorities, it has failed to protect the Hindu community in Sindh from criminal elements. He also condemned the misuse of the province’s education budget, which he said, totaling 400 billion rupees, has been wasted on corruption while leaving the education system in shambles, with children deprived of quality education and schools in a state of disrepair. He said no new mega water project should be started without national consensus.

Rehman also raised concerns about the involvement of foreign powers in the rising tide of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He said that foreign intelligence agencies, including India’s RAW and the CIA, are operating in Pakistan, exacerbating the security crisis. He attributed part of the problem to Pakistan’s participation in the so-called “War on Terror” led by the United States, which he said has turned the country into a battleground for foreign agencies. Rather than remaining passive, Rehman urged the Pakistani government to come clean about the reality of the situation and inform the public.

Rehman called on the government to implement the Rawalpindi Agreement and take concrete steps to alleviate the hardships faced by the people. He stated that Jamaat-e-Islami had given the government a chance to take necessary actions, but if no meaningful progress is made, the party will issue a final call for a mass protest.