PESHAWAR, Feb 18 (NNI): Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has announced that the JI will launch a large-scale protest movement against high power tariffs and IPPs after Ramzan.
“We have given the government ample time to address electricity price hikes. The rulers have to either provide relief to masses or get ready to face the movement,” he said while speaking at the Meet the Press program at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday.
Rehman criticized the ruling elite, stating that they have stooped so low that they have even granted the International Monetary Fund (IMF) access to the judiciary. He questioned what could be a greater compromise on national sovereignty and independence.
“The country faces a crisis where politics, judiciary, and journalism are under complete control. Power is used to engineer desired outcomes, but this approach will not lead Pakistan forward,” he remarked.
He also took aim at the discourse surrounding fake news, stating that while the issue is frequently discussed, no one talks about the existence of a “fake parliament” and a “fake government.”
“The greatest crime is to usurp public opinion and impose rulers against their will. PECA has been introduced in the name of combating fake news, but under which act will action be taken against fake rulers and those who impose them?” he questioned. He termed PECA as an attack on freedom of expression and vowed to stand with journalists in their struggle against it.
Rehman expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, condemning the recent attack on a convoy in Kurram and mourning the martyrdom of security personnel. He stressed that ensuring peace in the province is the joint responsibility of federal and provincial governments.
He also criticized parliamentarians for uniting to increase their own salaries while failing to come together on matters of national security. “Why can’t they sit together for the country’s security if they can for their own financial benefits?” he asked.
He warned that continued tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan would only harm both nations while benefitting their enemies. He urged Islamabad and Kabul to engage in meaningful dialogue and stressed that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.
He also criticized the silence over Kashmir, the government’s desire to foster ties with India while pursuing a confrontational policy toward Afghanistan, and the growing international pressure on Pakistan to recognize Israel. He warned the ruling authorities not to succumb to such demands.
The JI cheif said the successive governments over the past 31 years have provided favours to IPPs, asserting that a mere two percent elite has taken control of the country.
“These elites protect each other’s interests, and billionaires dominate parliament. More than 70 percent of them have secured their positions through rigged Form 47 results. They collectively increased their salaries by 300 percent, while the people suffer under relentless inflation,” he said.
He slammed the government for deceiving the public about inflation, stating that it operates through advertisements rather than actual governance. He said that 3.8 million children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 27.5 million across the country remain out of school, while public schools are being outsourced.
Rehman also highlighted the plight of small farmers, particularly under the oppressive policies of the sugar mafia. “In Punjab, loans are being disguised as farmer support under the ‘Kisan Card’ scheme. Meanwhile, the prices of electricity, petrol, flour, sugar, and pulses continue to rise, crushing ordinary citizens. The government must provide relief and set electricity prices based on actual costs,” he demanded.
The JI Emir affirmed Jamaat-e-Islami’s willingness to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan for peace, urging the government to engage with all stakeholders. “The root causes of terrorism must be identified and addressed. Military operations are not a solution; instead, the government should ensure access to education, healthcare, employment, and infrastructure improvements,” he stated.
He attributed the unrest in northwestern Pakistan to the country’s involvement in the U.S.-led war on terror, saying that complete peace existed in the region before Pakistan joined the conflict.
Responding to questions, Rehman demanded that the federal government clear pending dues to provinces, emphasizing that local resources should first benefit local populations.
He expressed surprise over PTI’s shifting stance on Form 45 and called former Prime Minister Imran Khan a political prisoner. Stressing Pakistan and Afghanistan’s interlinked future, he stated that India’s aspirations to strengthen ties with Afghanistan at Pakistan’s expense would not succeed.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering stance on Kashmir, condemning India’s illegal occupation. “The government must clarify its Kashmir policy and address concerns over reported compromises,” he concluded. NNI
