Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly condemned those who criticize Iran, accusing them of acting as proxies for Israel and the United States. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Iran amid rising regional tensions, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of external pressures. His remarks come at a time when geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia are increasingly volatile, with Pakistan caught in a delicate balancing act.
Addressing domestic issues, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman sharply criticized the government’s decision to increase petrol prices by Rs55 per litre, describing the hike as an excessive burden on ordinary Pakistanis. He pointed out that despite sufficient fuel reserves, the government continues to impose heavy levies, collecting approximately Rs50 billion monthly from petrol duties alone. This, he argued, disproportionately affects the middle class, which is already struggling under the weight of inflation, rising electricity bills, and multiple taxes.
Furthermore, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman highlighted the issue of tax evasion by powerful sugar mill owners, accusing them of dodging their fiscal responsibilities while the common citizen bears the brunt of government policies. He also criticized the controversial sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for Rs10 billion, contrasting it with the reported purchase of an aircraft worth Rs11 billion for Maryam Nawaz, raising questions about transparency and priorities in public asset management.
In addition to economic concerns, the JI chief suggested that official government vehicles should be limited to engines not exceeding 1300cc, implying that austerity should begin at the top. He also expressed dissatisfaction with development projects in Karachi, noting that Rs4 billion spent over three years has only resulted in the construction of two narrow streets. He lamented the prolonged delay of the KE-4 water project, which remains incomplete even after 15 years, underscoring the inefficiency and mismanagement prevalent in public sector initiatives.
Turning to regional security matters, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned that Pakistan, along with Turkey, could become targets of Israeli scrutiny following Iran’s ongoing challenges. He stressed that Iran is unlikely to back down in the face of external pressure and cautioned that any Israeli attempts to destabilize the region could eventually have repercussions for Pakistan’s own security. In this context, he urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to issue a public apology to the nation for his remarks suggesting that former US President Donald Trump deserved a Nobel Prize, calling for a clear and independent foreign policy stance free from external influences such as the so-called Peace Board.
Overall, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman’s statements reflect growing frustration with both domestic governance and the complex geopolitical environment surrounding Pakistan. His call for solidarity with Iran and criticism of government policies resonate with many who feel the country is facing multiple challenges simultaneously, from economic hardships to regional instability. The JI chief’s remarks underscore the need for transparent governance and a firm, principled approach to foreign relations in these uncertain times.
