JI urges govt to avoid conflict, hold peace talks with Kabul

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has urged the government to refrain from escalating the country into another blind conflict, citing the fallout from Pervez Musharraf’s decision to join the US-led “war on terrorism.”

Speaking at a by-election rally in PK-22 Bajaur on Monday, he underscored the importance of Islamabad and Kabul engaging in dialogue to secure peace in the region. Rehman highlighted how military operations create rifts between the army and the people, drawing on historical examples to support his point.

He emphasised Pakistan’s inability to afford operations dictated by foreign powers, stressing the urgent need for peace and prosperity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), particularly for its youth seeking employment. The JI amir called for a thorough examination of terrorism’s root causes and demanded the National Action Plan be implemented sincerely. Criticising the ruling authorities for neglecting basic health and employment facilities, and for imposing additional taxes and raising petroleum and gas tariffs in the recent budget, he accused them of prioritising personal luxuries over public welfare at the state’s expense.

Asserting that the Jamaat-e-Islami would not tolerate injustices or the exploitation of national resources by the ruling elite, Rehman reiterated plans for a sit-in in Islamabad on July 12 to uphold people’s rights.

He called on the government to reduce the petroleum levy, end unjust taxation on salaried individuals, and decrease electricity and gas tariffs, warning of public backlash if these demands are ignored.

The JI amir also encouraged Bajaur residents to actively join the Jamaat-e-Islami’s movement for their rights. Earlier, he inaugurated a free hospital established by the Alkhidmat Foundation in Layyah, commending the foundation’s philanthropic initiatives and reaffirming the Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to serving the masses through peaceful advocacy for their rights.