LAHORE : Jamaat-e-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has urged the government to take immediate and practical steps in support of Iran.
“Israel has become a rampaging elephant, posing a grave threat to regional security,” he said while addressing the newly elected Central Consultative Council (Majlis-e-Shura) at Mansoorah on Saturday.
“We strongly condemn Israel attack on Iran. It is a dangerous escalation that threatens the peace and stability of the entire region,” he said, reaffirming the party’s solidarity with the government and people of Iran. The people of Pakistan, he said, stand firmly with Iran in the face of Israeli aggression.
The three-day session of the Shura is being held at the JI headquarters in Lahore, with elected members from across the country in attendance. Over ninety male and female members took oath at the opening session. A unanimous resolution was also passed condemning Israeli terrorism and expressing support for Iran. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman is chairing the proceedings.
In his keynote address, Rehman recalled how JI founder Syed Maududi supported the government during the 1965 war despite political differences with President Ayub Khan. He added that the JI revived that spirit during the recent Pakistan-India military crisis by prioritising national interest over political disagreements.
Commenting on the attack on Iran, Rehman said, “It is tragic and condemnable. Jamaat will play its role in this critical hour. The government must step forward in Iran’s support. Iran is a major force backing resistance movements like Hamas.”
He appreciated the recent resolutions passed by the National Assembly and Senate in support of Iran, and also welcomed the National Assembly Speaker’s statement rejecting the recognition of Israel.
Highlighting Israeli atrocities in Palestine, Rehman called it the worst form of oppression in human history. He expressed deep disappointment at the silence of the international community, including the United Nations, the OIC, and Muslim governments. He urged the government to reflect the will of the nation and take a leading role in protecting the people of Gaza from Israeli terrorism. He demanded a clear message be sent to Israel and its ally, the United States, that terrorism against Muslims and humanity must end. He also called for urgent arrangements to deliver food, medicines, and aid to Palestinians.
On the Kashmir issue, Rehman reiterated Jamaat-e-Islami’s long-standing position that the dispute must be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions. He condemned India’s continued human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir and stated that no negotiations with India should proceed without addressing Kashmir.