Karachi(The COW News Digital) Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman launched a strong criticism of the federal government, alleging that the current political system has failed to uphold democratic principles and constitutional governance. He also announced a nationwide protest on August 7, urging citizens to unite against rising inflation and economic hardships.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem claimed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had effectively acknowledged failures within the existing system, while asserting that both those who were “imposed through Form 47” and those responsible for the process had failed to deliver. His remarks reflect the opposition’s continued criticism of Pakistan’s 2024 general election process.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief argued that constitutional provisions were not being implemented, while political leaders remained focused on issues that did not address the country’s pressing challenges. He alleged that political rivalry between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had become a distraction from governance.
Hafiz Naeem further claimed that allowing elected representatives to assume office according to the public mandate would strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance. He also criticized what he described as political maneuvering and power-sharing arrangements, saying meaningful reforms require practical action rather than political statements.
Turning to the country’s economic situation, the Jamaat-e-Islami leader said Pakistan continues to face high fuel prices, arguing that petroleum products are being sold at rates that place an increasing financial burden on ordinary citizens. He criticized the government’s petroleum levy, describing it as an additional tax that contributes to inflation by increasing transportation and commodity costs.
He also questioned the government’s economic policies, saying authorities frequently cite commitments under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program to justify difficult fiscal decisions. According to Hafiz Naeem, the burden of these policies is being shifted onto the public instead of being addressed through broader economic reforms.
Discussing the energy sector, he alleged that financial costs associated with idle electricity generation capacity have added pressure on consumers through higher electricity bills. He called on citizens to participate in a countrywide protest scheduled for August 7, saying public unity is essential to demand policy changes.
Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Hafiz Naeem said dialogue remains the most viable path toward resolving political challenges, even if an immediate solution appears unlikely. He expressed concern over what he described as the limited role played by both the AJK administration and the federal government in addressing the situation.
The government has not immediately responded to the latest remarks. The statements come amid continued political debate over governance, electoral transparency, inflation, and economic policy in Pakistan.
