No govt can be formed in Centre or Sindh without JI support: Naeem

Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Saturday said that neither the next Sindh government nor the next federal government can be formed without his party’s support, adding that the JI would use this position for the progress and development of Pakistan.

Talking to the media after visiting the Karachi Expo Centre in connection with the inauguration of ‘Mera Brand Pakistan’, the JI city chief urged people to vote for those candidates in the February 8 general elections who strive for progress and betterment of industrial institutions.

Rehman said that the past governments have destroyed Karachi’s industry. He asked people to reject those elements who have snatched employment from the people of the city and disturbed the law and order situation.

He claimed that the JI is the only hope for the people of the city. He also claimed that his party would not use government resources for increasing their property and assets like the previous governments, and would instead strengthen Karachi’s economic industry and institutions.

He said that over 26,000 innocent Palestinians, including women and children, have been massacred in Gaza, but the Muslim world leaders have been maintaining a criminal silence.

On the other hand, he added, the global forces are supporting Israel’s acts of terrorism and genocide. He also said that the local brands should be thankful to all the people of conscience who have boycotted Israeli products.

Appreciating the efforts of the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) for the Mera Brand Pakistan initiative, the JI chief said Pakistan is a consumer market of 250 million individuals, and the nation has a huge potential to produce goods that can be exported.

“This expo is designed under a concept to enhance the local export, upgrade the quality of local products, and create pride among Pakistanis to buy and use local brands.”

Talking about the export sector and the role of politics, he said that there is a big room for improvement when it comes to the export sector. Karachi already single-handedly contributes 54 per cent of the exports of the country, he added.

He also said that the idea behind Mera Brand Pakistan was to promote and enhance the local brands. A lot of brands have brought their operations to an end in the city because of the flawed policies of the rulers and the corruption in the system, he added.

Rehman said that it is an obligation for Pakistani brands to use this opportunity to fill the gap through upgrading and enhancing their quality, and increasing their reach and supply.

PBF Karachi President Sohail Aziz thanked the JI leader for his support and guidance to the forum in connection with the mega event. He said that thanks to the overwhelming response of the local brands, 100 per cent capacity of stalls featuring 360 brands have been booked.

PBF Karachi General Secretary Amir Rafi also expressed his views on the occasion, saying that the forum is a part of the International Business Forum. Presidents of various PBF chapters also visited the event.