JI calls for national dialogue to resolve issues of Balochistan

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has urged a national dialogue to address the longstanding issues plaguing Balochistan. Speaking at a press conference in Mansoora on Thursday, he emphasised the need to address the grievances of the Baloch people, particularly the families of missing persons. Rehman argued that repeated use of force has proven ineffective in resolving such complex issues and advocated for dialogue as the only viable solution. He called upon the government to engage with Balochistan’s genuine leadership to restore peace and stability.

Earlier, Rehman presided over a JI central leadership meeting where they discussed the overall political and economic situation in Pakistan, peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, the JI membership drive, and the “Haq Do Awam Ko” (Give Rights to the People) movement. While advocating for a stern response to terrorism, Rehman stressed the importance of understanding and addressing its underlying causes. He urged all political stakeholders in KP to come together for peace in the province and proposed a broader dialogue involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Iran to achieve lasting regional peace.

Rehman warned the government that it has only 17 days to implement the Rawalpindi agreement or face public backlash. He threatened a long march, sit-in in Islamabad, shutter-down strikes, and wheel-jam strikes if the government failed to act.

Reaffirming JI’s commitment to reducing power tariffs and eliminating unfair taxes on the salaried class, Rehman called for expanding the tax net to include the feudal elite. He advocated for reviewing agreements with IPPs and criticised the ruling class’s lavish lifestyle, funded by state resources.

JI has launched a nationwide membership drive with the ambitious goal of recruiting five million new members. After completing the drive, JI plans to form public committees and mobilise the masses to fight for their rights. The movement will focus on strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, ensuring freedom of speech, and providing universal access to health and education. Special attention will be given to women’s rights, youth empowerment, land reforms, and electoral reforms.

Rehman condemned the repeated postponement of local body elections in Islamabad and vowed to initiate a movement to ensure they are held without delay. He also called for a fair investigation into the wheat import scandal, demanding accountability for those responsible in the former caretaker and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) governments.

In response to a question, Rehman called for the release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and criticised those who came to power through electoral rigging. He insisted that only governments with legitimate election results should be recognised and emphasised that all institutions must operate within the constitutional framework for Pakistan to progress.

Later, Rehman inaugurated the JI model membership camp in the Sadar area of Lahore.