ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation from Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), headed by its chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, held a significant meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday. The gathering focused on the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in the region, with particular attention to developments in Afghanistan, Iran, and the broader Middle East and Gulf areas. This engagement reflects the government’s intent to keep key political stakeholders informed about critical foreign policy matters.
During the meeting, the JI leadership received a confidential, in-camera briefing that outlined the current situation in Afghanistan, where political instability continues to pose challenges, as well as in Iran and the Gulf region, which have witnessed heightened tensions recently. The briefing also covered Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic maneuvers and strategic initiatives aimed at navigating these complex regional dynamics. Officials emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s interests amid evolving circumstances.
In addition to discussing geopolitical concerns, the delegation was updated on the proactive measures taken by Pakistani diplomatic missions stationed in Iran and Gulf countries. These embassies have been actively working to support and facilitate Pakistani nationals residing or working in these regions, ensuring their safety and well-being during this period of uncertainty. This aspect of the briefing highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting its diaspora amid regional unrest.
The Jamaat-e-Islami delegation comprised prominent figures including Liaqat Baloch, Mian Muhammad Aslam, and Asif Luqman Qazi, who accompanied Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman. The meeting was attended by several senior government officials, notably Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. Their presence underscored the importance the government places on maintaining a united front in addressing regional challenges.
Prior to the meeting, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman held a press conference in Islamabad where he voiced strong criticism of Pakistan’s involvement in the so-called Board of Peace (BoP). He urged the government to reconsider its participation, describing it as a flawed initiative. Naeem went further to condemn the actions of the United States and Israel, accusing them of initiating hostilities against Iran and committing widespread human rights abuses. He highlighted the tragic loss of 165 schoolgirls at the onset of the conflict, labeling these acts as war crimes.
Hafiz Naeem stressed that Iran’s support for Gaza in its ongoing struggle against Israel has made it a target of punitive measures by the US and its allies. He called on the Muslim world to unite in solidarity with Iran, warning that Israel’s ambitions extend beyond Iran to include Pakistan and its nuclear capabilities. The JI leader’s remarks reflected deep concerns about the broader implications of regional conflicts for Pakistan’s security and sovereignty.
In his concluding appeal, Hafiz Naeem urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government to acknowledge that joining the Board of Peace was a strategic misstep. He called for Pakistan, alongside other Islamic nations, to withdraw from the BoP and adopt a more principled stance in regional affairs. This call for realignment highlights the ongoing debate within Pakistan regarding its foreign policy direction amid shifting global alliances and regional power struggles.
