Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has strongly condemned any undemocratic attempts to obstruct the ongoing Balochistan Long March heading to Islamabad. Speaking at a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq in Karachi, he emphasized that the grievances of the people of Balochistan especially the issue of missing persons must be addressed, and their constitutional rights ensured.
He announced that JI would hold a Greater Tribal Jirga in Peshawar on July 30 and observe “Kashmir and Palestine Rights Day” on August 5, calling on the public to expose the nexus between Israel and the United States.
Hafiz Naeem criticized the federal and provincial authorities for neglecting the plight of Balochistan, saying the province has abundant natural resources yet remains deprived of basic necessities like gas. “If peaceful protests and long marches are obstructed, what message does that send to the people of Balochistan?” he asked.
He warned against the repeated military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that they have failed to stabilize the region. “What we need now is recognition of past mistakes and improved relations with Afghanistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan should lead with confidence and diplomacy rather than force.
Regarding Gaza, he said that while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave verbal assurances in a recent phone call, mere words are not enough. “The people of Gaza and Palestine need concrete support. Pakistan, as the only nuclear-armed Islamic country, must take a firm stance against Israel,” he asserted.
He revealed that Hamas leader Khaled Mashal had called him directly, requesting Pakistan’s intervention with global leaders to help stop the atrocities. Hafiz Naeem pledged full support to the Palestinian cause, calling on Muslim leaders to break their silence.
He also addressed the situation in Kashmir, stating that the government’s muted response to India’s abrogation of Article 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, was disappointing. “Pakistan must reject India’s unconstitutional merger of Kashmir and affirm the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination,” he said.
Turning his attention to domestic politics, Hafiz Naeem criticized the PPP’s 17-year rule in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, for its failure to improve infrastructure, electricity, water, transportation, and the delayed K-IV water project. He accused both the PPP and MQM of power-sharing while pretending to oppose each other publicly.
“Corruption is rampant. Taxes are being imposed on an already burdened public. The people of Karachi are suffering, and the government is playing games with their trust,” he said.
He also highlighted the alarming rise in street crime in Karachi, stating that over 26,000 motorcycles have been snatched in just six months, and labeled current efforts to distract the public with issues like license plates and cultural symbols as deceptive.
Criticizing the MQM, Hafiz Naeem claimed that while they pretend to be in opposition in Sindh, they are comfortably holding ministries in the federal government and are equally responsible for governance failures and corruption.
The press conference was attended by JI Karachi chief Munim Zafar Khan, JI Sindh Secretary Muhammad Yousuf, Deputy Emirs Saifuddin Advocate, Raja Arif Sultan, Muslim Pervez, Secretary Karachi Taufiquddin Siddiqui, and other key leaders.
