Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has declared plans to initiate a large-scale movement immediately following Eid, aimed at demanding greater local government authority in Karachi. This announcement comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the current governance structure in the city, where residents continue to face numerous challenges related to basic services and administrative neglect. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader addressed his party workers in Karachi, emphasizing the urgency of empowering local bodies to effectively manage the city’s affairs.
During his speech, Hafiz Naeem highlighted the significant mandate Jamaat-e-Islami received in Orangi Town during the recent local government elections. He pointed out that this victory was historic for the party, reflecting strong public support for their vision of grassroots governance. However, he lamented that despite this mandate, the party’s town chairman has been hindered from performing his duties, which has stalled development efforts in Orangi. He also mentioned a petition currently pending before the Supreme Court concerning the alleged illegal occupation of six union councils, indicating ongoing legal battles over Karachi’s administrative boundaries.
Expanding on the political landscape, Hafiz Naeem criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) for their prolonged mismanagement of Karachi. He accused both parties of disregarding the city’s core issues and imposing themselves on residents despite being rejected by the electorate. him, these political forces have shared power for years without delivering meaningful progress, contributing to Karachi’s decline. He further noted MQM’s role as a coalition partner in various governments, including during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration, suggesting that political alliances have failed to translate into benefits for the city’s population.
Hafiz Naeem also drew attention to the stark contrast between Karachi’s economic contributions and the lack of administrative autonomy it receives. He stated that the city generates 42 percent of Pakistan’s national taxes and accounts for 54 percent of revenue collection, yet the Sindh provincial government remains reluctant to devolve financial and administrative powers to Karachi’s local institutions. This imbalance, he argued, undermines the city’s potential for growth and development. The Jamaat-e-Islami chief stressed that their demand for empowered local governance extends beyond Karachi to include all urban centers across Sindh, advocating for a comprehensive reform of the local government system.
In addition to governance issues, Hafiz Naeem criticized PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s developmental policies, asserting that Karachi continues to suffer from chronic shortages of essential utilities such as water and electricity. He also raised concerns about difficulties faced by residents of Orangi Town in obtaining identity documents, urging his supporters to mobilize and demonstrate outside NADRA offices to highlight these problems. This call to action underscores the party’s commitment to addressing not only political but also social and administrative grievances affecting Karachi’s citizens.
On a broader regional note, Hafiz Naeem addressed the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, cautioning that any escalation would be detrimental to both nations. He appealed to the governments on either side to pursue peaceful dialogue and resolve their differences amicably. Emphasizing the shared interests of Muslim communities in both countries, he warned that conflict would only bring harm and no tangible benefits. This statement reflects Jamaat-e-Islami’s broader vision of stability and cooperation in the region.
Concluding his address, Hafiz Naeem reiterated Jamaat-e-Islami’s resolve to launch a vigorous and sustained movement after Eid, focused on securing full empowerment for local governments in Karachi. He made it clear that the party would not compromise on this issue, signaling a determined push for political and administrative reforms aimed at improving governance and service delivery in the city. This upcoming campaign is expected to intensify the debate over Karachi’s future and the role of local institutions in shaping it.
