Islamabad: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has announced a “Solidarity with Palestine Million March” in Islamabad on December 29. The announcement was made during a press conference at Mansoorah, where he condemned the ongoing atrocities against Gaza, U.S. support for Israeli actions, and the silence of Islamic countries’ leaders.
He also criticized the Punjab Assembly members for increasing their salaries by 400% to 1000%, terming it an insult to the public during a time when the poor and middle-class struggle to make ends meet. Hafiz Naeem denounced the provincial government’s decision to hand over schools to NGOs and expressed disappointment over the judiciary’s refusal to hear petitions on the matter.
Farmers’ Exploitation and Economic Injustice
Hafiz Naeem highlighted the exploitation of farmers by middlemen and the sugar mafia, accusing the government of failing to announce support prices for crops under IMF pressure while refraining from taxing feudal lords. He criticized the disproportionate representation of billionaires in assemblies, claiming 80% of them do not represent the public. The JI leader also announced protests for farmers’ rights on December 25 in Mandi Bahauddin, followed by demonstrations in Chiniot, Vehari, and Lahore.
Condemnation of U.S. Sanctions and Support for Israeli Actions
The JI chief condemned the U.S. sanctions on four Pakistani companies and urged the government to respond effectively. He criticized the U.S. for backing Israeli atrocities and questioned its moral authority to impose such measures. Hafiz Naeem also referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Palestinians, denouncing America’s global role in enabling human rights violations.
Issues of Internet Shutdown and Religious Schools Registration
Responding to queries, Hafiz Naeem criticized the internet shutdown affecting 2.3 million freelancers in Pakistan. He called for immediate resolution of this issue and held the IT Minister accountable for the lack of action.
On the matter of madrasa registration, Hafiz Naeem emphasized that the process should not be restricted to the Societies Act and called for both new and old registration methods to remain valid. He underscored the agreement reached in 2019 and questioned the delays in resolving this issue.
Global and Domestic Concerns
Commenting on Syria, Hafiz Naeem welcomed the new government’s general amnesty announcement but criticized Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights as a violation of international agreements. He also highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the Kurram district, calling on federal and provincial governments, along with institutions, to take unified action to restore peace in the region.
The press conference was attended by JI Secretary-General Ameer-ul-Azeem, Deputy Ameer Dr. Osama Razi, Information Secretary Qaiser Sharif, and Lahore Ameer Ziauddin Ansari.
